コーヒーを1杯ください
kōhī o ippai kudasai
The English phrase "one coffee please" is translated into Japanese as コーヒーを1杯ください (kōhī o ippai kudasai).
This phrase is a standard, polite way to order a single cup of coffee in a cafe or restaurant setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of コーヒー (coffee), the object marker を (o) which marks the coffee as the direct object, the counter for a single cup 1杯 (ippai) and the polite imperative verb ください (kudasai) meaning "please give me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle を (o) is used to mark コーヒー as the direct object of the verb ください.
How do you pronounce it?
kōhī o ippai kudasai
Did you know?
- In many Japanese cafes, it is common to see a モーニング (morning) set. If you order コーヒー during these hours, it often comes with a free piece of toast and a hard-boiled egg.
- In Japan, it is customary to avoid tipping the staff after saying ください (kudasai), as providing excellent service is considered a standard part of the job.
- The word ください (kudasai) is actually the imperative form of the verb くださる (kudasaru), which is a respectful version of 'to give'. Using it transforms a command into a polite request.
Examples in context
- コーヒーを一杯、お願いしたいのですが。One coffee please
- ホットコーヒーを1杯ください。Hotto kōhī o ippai kudasai.One hot coffee please.
- アイスコーヒーを1杯ください。Aisu kōhī o ippai kudasai.One iced coffee please.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta注文してもいいですか？Chūmon shite mo ii desu ka?Can I order?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、どうぞ。Hai, dōzo.Yes, go ahead.
- 健太 Kentaコーヒーを1杯ください。Kōhī o ippai kudasai.One coffee please.
- 美咲 Misakiかしこまりました。Kashikomarimashita.Certainly.
