caffeellatte
The English phrase white coffee is translated into Italian as caffeellatte.
This phrase refers to coffee that has milk or cream added to it.
Which one should you use?
If you want a small espresso with just a small 'stain' or splash of milk, use caffè macchiato instead of caffeellatte.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often order just latte to mean coffee with milk, but in Italy, latte means only plain milk.
Did you know?
- In Italy, caffellatte is traditionally a breakfast drink and is rarely ordered after 11 a.m. Ordering a milky coffee during a meal or after dinner can be seen as an unusual choice.
- In Italy, caffellatte is traditionally served in a glass rather than a ceramic cup, which allows the distinct layers of white milk and dark coffee to be visible.
- In Italy, the process of making caffellatte often involves pouring coffee into a glass of steamed milk rather than adding milk to coffee.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un caffè chiaro.I would like a light coffee.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are at a breakfast cafe.
- SofiaCiao Lorenzo, cosa desideri ordinare?Hi Lorenzo, what would you like to order?
- LorenzoPrendo un caffeellatte ben caldo.I'll have a hot white coffee.
- SofiaOttima scelta, lo prendo anche io.Great choice, I'll have one too.
- LorenzoPerfetto, andiamo al bancone.Perfect, let's go to the counter.
