café allongé
The English phrase "long black" is translated into French as café allongé.
In France, café allongé is the standard term for an espresso diluted with hot water. While 'long black' is a specific term in English-speaking coffee culture, in France, café allongé is the standard term for an espresso diluted with hot water.
How does it change in a sentence?
When ordering, it is most natural to use the masculine indefinite article: un café allongé.
Did you know?
- The word café shares an ancient lineage with the Arabic word qahwa, which originally referred to a type of wine or a beverage that stimulated the senses.
- The term allongé is also used in French art and fashion to describe a figure that is elongated or stretched beyond natural proportions.
- While allongé means 'stretched', you should not confuse it with café americano. In some French cafes, an 'americano' is served with the hot water in a separate jug so the customer can control the strength.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un café allongé, s'il vous plaît.I would like a long black coffee, please.
- Est-ce que vous servez le café allongé ici ?Do you serve long black coffee here?
- Un café allongé est plus léger qu'un expresso.A long black is lighter than an espresso.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- LucasJe vais prendre un café allongé.I'll have a long black.
- ManonEt moi, je préfère un thé vert.And me, I prefer a green tea.
- LucasTu veux aussi un petit biscuit ?Do you also want a small biscuit?
- ManonOui, ce serait parfait, merci !Yes, that would be perfect, thanks!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries café, CC BY-SA 4.0.
