café au lait
/ka.fe o lɛ/masculine
The English phrase 'latte' is translated into French as café au lait.
In France, café au lait typically refers to a more traditional preparation of coffee with steamed or hot milk, rather than the specific espresso-based drink often called 'latte' in English.
Meaning: caffè latte (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase café au lait literally translates to 'coffee with milk'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Switzerland and Belgium, the term café crème is used to refer to a latte.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because café is a masculine noun, you use the masculine indefinite article un when ordering one, as in un café au lait.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ka.fe o lɛ/.
Did you know?
- In a traditional French home, a café au lait is often served in a large bowl rather than a mug or cup, especially when paired with a tartine for breakfast.
- While café au lait is common, the French also use the term café noisette, which is an espresso with a tiny splash of milk meant to resemble the color of a hazelnut.
- In French cafes, ordering un café au lait in the late afternoon is rare, as milk-heavy coffee is culturally viewed as a breakfast drink.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un café au lait, s'il vous plaît.I would like a café au lait, please.
- Est-ce que je pourrais avoir un café crème, s'il vous plaît ?Could I have a latte, please?
- Un café au lait est sur la table.A café au lait is on the table.
- Est-ce qu'il reste du café au lait ?Is there any café au lait left?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a small Parisian café.
- GabrielEmma, tu veux un café au lait ?Emma, do you want a café au lait?
- EmmaOui, un café au lait serait parfait.Yes, a café au lait would be perfect.
- GabrielJe vais commander pour nous deux.I am going to order for both of us.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel.Thank you, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “latte” translations and entries café au lait, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
