Cà phê đá
[kaː˨˩ fe˧˧ ʔɗaː˧˦]
The English phrase "iced coffee" is translated into Vietnamese as Cà phê đá.
Cà phê đá refers to a coffee drink served cold with ice cubes. If you wish to order the popular Vietnamese style of iced coffee that includes sweetened condensed milk, you should say cà phê sữa đá.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cà phê (coffee) and đá (ice).
Which one should you use?
Cà phê nóng is used for coffee served hot. For a version containing sweetened condensed milk, use cà phê sữa đá. In the southern region of Vietnam, locals often opt for a milder version of iced coffee called café bạc xỉu.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern region of Vietnam, you may encounter the term café bạc xỉu for a milder iced coffee drink.
Did you know?
- The Vietnamese word cà may have been borrowed from the Chinese word for 'eggplant', showing how the language adapted foreign terms to create the word for 'coffee'.
- In many parts of Vietnam, the word đá is used not just for ice in drinks, but also to describe the act of 'kicking' something.
- In Vietnam, ordering Cà phê đá typically results in a drink made from a slow-drip filter, which is different from the instant or espresso-based iced coffees common in the West.
Examples in context
- Xin chào! Cho tôi một ly cà phê đá, xin cám ơn.Hello! Please give me a glass of iced coffee, thank you.
- Chào! Cho mình một cốc cà phê đen đá, được không?Hello! Can I have a cup of black coffee with ice?
- Tôi muốn uống cà phê đá.I want to drink iced coffee.
- Cho tôi một ly cà phê đá.Give me one glass of iced coffee.
- Cà phê đá ở đây rất ngon.The iced coffee here is very delicious.
Example conversation
Minh and Chi are at a cafe.
- MinhChi muốn uống gì không?Chi, do you want to drink something?
- ChiCho mình một ly cà phê đá nhé.I'll have a glass of iced coffee, please.
- MinhĐược, để mình gọi cho.Okay, let me order it for you.
- ChiCảm ơn Minh nhiều.Thank you very much, Minh.
