アイスコーヒー
aisu kōhī[a̠isɨ ko̞ːçiː]
The English phrase "iced coffee" is translated into Japanese as アイスコーヒー (aisu kōhī).
アイスコーヒー refers to coffee served cold, typically over ice. In Japanese cafes, this term specifically refers to coffee served cold, often distinguishing it from 'hot coffee' (ホットコーヒー).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a loanword from English, using the katakana transliteration of 'ice' (アイス) and 'coffee' (コーヒー).
How do you pronounce it?
aisu kōhī
Did you know?
- In Japan, the word アイス (aisu) is so frequently used as a shorthand for 'ice cream' that if someone says they want to 'eat' アイス, they almost always mean dessert rather than a cold drink.
- You can find canned アイスコーヒー in vending machines throughout Japan even during the coldest winter months, reflecting a cultural preference for cold caffeine regardless of the weather.
- The method of making アイスコーヒー in Japan often involves 'flash-chilling' hot coffee over ice, which differs from the slow-drip cold brew popular in many Western specialty shops.
Examples in context
- アイスコーヒーを持ってきて。Bring me an iced coffee.This sentence is useful for requesting an iced coffee.Tatoeba #10177656 by small_snow, translation #9194574 by DJ_Saidez
- アイスコーヒーは好きじゃない。I don't like iced coffee.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for iced coffee.Tatoeba #1110957 by mookeee, translation #2592967 by WestofEden
Example conversation
At a cafe, Yota and Himari are looking at the menu.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、何にする？Himari, nani ni suru?Himari, what will you have?
- 陽葵 Himari私はアイスコーヒーにする。Watashi wa aisu kōhī ni suru.I'll have an iced coffee.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、僕もアイスコーヒーにしよう。Jā, boku mo aisu kōhī ni shiyō.Then, I'll have an iced coffee too.
- 陽葵 Himari暑いから、冷たいのがいいよね。Atsui kara, tsumetai no ga ii yo ne.Since it's hot, something cold is good, isn't it?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry アイスコーヒー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
