cortado
/koɾˈtado/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'macchiato' is typically referred to as cortado.
A cortado is an espresso with a small amount of milk.
Meaning: type of coffee (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 'macchiato' refers to a specific Italian-style coffee, the standard way to order a coffee with a small amount of milk in Spanish-speaking regions is a cortado.
How do you pronounce it?
/koɾˈtado/
Did you know?
- In Spain, a cortado is traditionally served in a small glass rather than a ceramic cup. This allows the drinker to see the distinct layers of coffee and milk.
- The name cortado comes from the verb 'cortar', meaning 'to cut', because the milk is said to 'cut' the intensity of the espresso.
- In some regions, if you want even less milk than a standard cortado, you might specify a manchado, which uses the same logic as the Italian 'stained' concept.
Examples in context
- Un café macchiato, por favorA macchiato, please
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are at a coffee shop.
- DanielHola, ¿qué quieres tomar, Lucía?Hi, what do you want to drink, Lucía?
- LucíaVoy a pedir un cortado.I am going to order a cortado.
- DanielYo también quiero un cortado.I want a cortado too.
- LucíaPerfecto, pidamos los dos ahora.Perfect, let's order both now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cortado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
