café allongé
The English phrase "weak coffee" is translated into French as café allongé.
The term refers specifically to coffee that has been diluted with extra water to reduce its strength.
Which one should you use?
Use café allongé when you want a coffee that has been diluted with water, rather than café léger, which would imply a coffee that is naturally low in caffeine or weak in flavor.
Did you know?
- The word allongé is the past participle of the verb allonger, meaning 'to lengthen' or 'to stretch'. In a non-culinary context, this is the same word used to describe someone lying down in bed.
- While café allongé means 'lengthened coffee', it is distinct from an 'Americano'. In many French cafés, an allongé is created by letting more water run through the coffee grounds, whereas an 'Americano' is espresso with hot water added after brewing.
- Despite the extra water, a café allongé served in a traditional French brasserie will often arrive in a small cup rather than a large mug.
Examples in context
- Comment préparez-vous le café ici ? Un café pas trop fort, s'il vous plaît.How do you prepare the coffee here? A not-so-strong coffee, please.
- Je voudrais un café allongé, s'il vous plaît.I would like a weak coffee, please.
- Le café allongé est moins amer que l'expresso.Weak coffee is less bitter than espresso.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at a small cafe in Paris.
- HugoManon, tu veux prendre un espresso ?Manon, do you want an espresso?
- ManonNon, je préfère un café allongé ce matin.No, I prefer a weak coffee this morning.
- HugoD'accord, je vais commander pour nous deux.Okay, I will order for both of us.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, Hugo.Thank you very much, Hugo.
