dos cafés solos
/dos kafes solos/from spelling rules
To say 'two shots of espresso' in Spanish, you use dos cafés solos.
The phrase is used to order two small servings of strong, concentrated coffee. While the word 'espresso' is understood in many Spanish-speaking countries, café solo is the standard way to order a single or double shot of black coffee.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'two coffees alone'. In this context, the word solos implies that the coffee is served black without milk or water.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, dos cafés solos is the common way to refer to two shots of espresso.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, ordering dos cafés solos might actually result in you receiving two standard cups of black coffee rather than concentrated espresso shots. In those regions, you often need to specify dos shots de espresso to be precise.
- Ordering dos cafés solos in a traditional Spanish bar often comes with a small glass of water on the side to cleanse the palate between sips.
- The word dos shares a common ancestor with the English word 'two' and the Greek word 'δύο', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*dwóh₁'. This shows the deep historical connection between these seemingly different number systems.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría servirme dos shots de espresso, por favor?Could you serve me two shots of espresso, please?
- Me pones dos shots de espresso, por favor?Can you give me two shots of espresso, please?
- Dame dos shots de espresso, por favor.Give me two shots of espresso, please.
- Quiero dos shots de espresso, por favor.I want two shots of espresso, please.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at a coffee shop.
- LucíaHola, ¿qué quieres tomar, Daniel?Hi, what do you want to drink, Daniel?
- DanielTengo sueño, así que quiero dos cafés solos.I'm sleepy, so I want two shots of espresso.
- Lucía¡Eso es mucho café! Yo tomaré un té.That is a lot of coffee! I will have a tea.
- DanielNecesito la energía para trabajar hoy.I need the energy to work today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
