Coffee Culture

Coffee Explorer: How To Order Coffee Like a Pro In Different Languages

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

Fact:

Language barriers often challenge foreign coffee explorers wanting to order their favorite coffee in different countries.

But:

Do you have to be an expert in other languages to savor your sweet beverage? No.

To solve this issue, I have provided common phrases for ordering coffee in different languages to make your coffee expeditions worthwhile.

Let’s begin!

How To Order Coffee in Spanish (Café)

Get this:

According to Statista, approximately 548.3 million people across 21 countries speak Spanish; in the United States alone, there are over 40 million speakers.

This makes it the fourth most spoken language in the world.

So it’s helpful to learn some Spanish phrases to interact fluently if you ever find yourself in a Spanish setting.

Therefore, I’d like to share common phrases you should know to order coffee in Spanish like a pro.

Now:

To order a cup of coffee, you say, “Quisiera una taza de café, por favor.” It means, “I’d like a cup of coffee, please?”

To switch things up:

You can order a café cubano—a popular coffee beverage among Latinos—by saying, “Me gustaría una taza de café cubano.” It translates to, “I would like a cup of Cuban coffee.”

See the table below for more creative ways to order coffee in Spanish:

EnglishSpanish
Can I have more coffee?¿Puedo tomar más café?
Pronunciation
Coffee with milkCafé con leche
Pronunciation
Do you have any sugar or sweetener?¿Tienes azúcar o edulcorante?
Pronunciation
Hot, please.Caliente, por favor.
Pronunciation
What is the coffee specialty in this region?¿Cuál es la especialidad del café en esta región?
Pronunciation
Can you bring me an Americano?¿Puedes traerme un americano?
Pronunciation
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
Pronunciation

I have also curated a list of popular coffee types and what they are in Spanish:

Coffee TypeSpanish
EspressoCafé exprés
Pronunciation
Two shots of EspressoDos tiros de espresso
Pronunciation
Espresso Macchiatoespresso macchiato
Pronunciation
Espresso with sweetened condensed milkEspresso con leche condensada azucarada
Pronunciation
DecaffeinatedDescafeinado or Descafeinada
Pronunciation
Espresso with whiskey or rumEspresso con whisky o ron
Pronunciation
Stained milkLeche Manchada
Pronunciation
Latte MacchiatoLatte Macchiato
Pronunciation
American coffeeCafé americano or café Americana
Pronunciation
Espresso with condensed milk and brandyEspresso con leche condensada y brandy
Pronunciation

How To Order Coffee in Italian (Caffè)

Check this out:

The majority of the coffee lingo we use all over the world is Italian.

For example, the word caffè in English means coffee. But when you order caffè at an Italian restaurant, you’ll likely get an espresso served in a demitasse cup.

Although:

You might be familiar with some of these Italian phrases, but locally, they translate differently.

So if you order a latte, you’d most likely get a glass of cold milk.

Interesting right?

Well, my Italian caffè appassionato (Italian coffee aficionado), let’s go over some common phrases for ordering coffee in Italian.

EnglishItalian
A latte, please.Un cappuccino, per favore.
Pronunciation
Good day. A cup of coffee, please.Buona giornata. Una tazza di caffè, per favore.
Pronunciation
More coffee, please.Altro caffè, per favore.
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Posso vedere il menu, per favore?
Pronunciation
What is the coffee specialty in this region?Qual è la specialità del caffè in questa region?
Pronunciation
How much does it cost?Quanto costa?
Pronunciation
This coffee tastes great!Questo caffè ha un ottimo sapore!
Pronunciation

The table below includes popular coffee beverages and Italian translations:

Coffee TypeItalian
Espresso with foamed milkEspresso con latte schiumato
Pronunciation
Espresso with a little bit of frosted milkEspresso con un po’ di latte ghiacciato
Pronunciation
Steamed milk stained with a shot of espressoLatte al vapore macchiato di un bicchierino di caffè espresso
Pronunciation
Espresso with a splash of liquorEspresso con una spruzzata di liquore
Pronunciation
Long CoffeeCaffè Lungo
Pronunciation
Espresso shaken with ice and sugarEspresso shakerato con ghiaccio e zucchero
Pronunciation
Double shots of espressoDoppi colpi di espresso
Pronunciation
A shot of decafUn bicchierino di decaffeinato
Pronunciation
Espresso diluted with hot waterEspresso diluito con acqua calda
Pronunciation
Espresso with hot milkEspresso con latte caldo
Pronunciation
Espresso with whipped creamEspresso con panna montata
Pronunciation
Ice cream mixed with espressoGelato mescolato con espresso
Pronunciation
Espresso, chocolate syrup with milk, and cocoaEspresso, sciroppo di cioccolato con latte e cacao
Pronunciation

Note:

When visiting Italy, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the coffee specialties of the region you are in. In addition, ordering milk-based espressos after 11 a.m. is frowned upon in Italy; Italians are pretty particular about digestion.

You could also grab a pastry to accompany your coffee.

Saluti!

How To Order Coffee in French (Café)

Get this:

French is the official and native dialect of over 39 countries, as reported by WorldData.info. As a result, learning common phrases to order coffee in the language is essential, especially when visiting French-speaking countries.

Also:

Ordering coffee in French is quite interesting. For example, un café means a coffee. However, by saying this to a barista, they will most likely serve you an espresso. It is the traditional standard of coffee in France.

So to begin:

Start by saying “bonne journée.” It is a general salutation, which translates to “good day.” After placing your order, you can thank the barista by saying, “merci.”

Now:

Let us look at some popular expressions used to order coffee in French.

EnglishFrench
I would like a cup of coffee.Je voudrais une tasse de café.
Pronunciation
I’d like an espresso, please.Je voudrais un expresso, s’il vous plaît.
Pronunciation
Good day. A latte, please.Bonne journée. Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît.
Pronunciation
Coffee to goCafé à importer.
Pronunciation
Hello. I would like a café crème, please. Thanks.Bonjour. Je voudrais un café crème, s’il vous plaît. Merci.
Pronunciation
With milk/ Without milkAvec lait/ Sans lait
Pronunciation
Hot/ ColdChaud/ Froid
Pronunciation
I’ll have a decafJe vais prendre un déca
Pronunciation

Here are a few examples you can use to order your preferred coffee:

Coffee TypeFrench
Espresso with a little splash of milk or creamEspresso avec un peu de lait ou de crème
Pronunciation
Filtered CoffeeCafé filtré
Pronunciation
Coffee with hot milkCafé au lait chaud
Pronunciation
Decaf iced coffeeCafé glacé décaféiné
Pronunciation
Black CoffeeCafé noir
Pronunciation
Espresso with cocoa powder and whipped creamEspresso au cacao en poudre et chantilly
Pronunciation
Drip CoffeeCafé filter
Pronunciation
A cup of coffee with a selection of dessertsUne tasse de café avec une sélection de desserts.
Pronunciation
Restricted shot of espressoTir restreint d’espresso
Pronunciation
Espresso with steamed milk and lots of foamEspresso avec du lait cuit à la vapeur et beaucoup de mousse
Pronunciation
Decaffeinated coffeeCafé décaféiné
Pronunciation

Pro Tip: The French enjoy coffee with tasty pastries like baguettes, croissants, tartine, or even donuts. You should try these too. 

Profitez des accros du café!

How To Order Coffee In Arabic (Qahwa)

Fact:

Legend has it that Ethiopia is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee. But the Arabs were the first to cultivate and trade various coffee beans.

So if you ever find yourself in the Middle East, you should be ready to see many coffee houses (maqhà).

Now:

What are the common phrases to know if you ever find yourself ordering coffee in an Arabic restaurant or country?

EnglishArabic
I would like a cup of coffee‘urid finjanan min alqahwa
Pronunciation
With milkmae Karima
Pronunciation
With creammae Karima
Pronunciation
Decaffeinatedmanzueat alkafiin
Pronunciation
With sugarmae sukar
Pronunciation
Hot CoffeeQahwat sākhinah
Pronunciation
Cold CoffeeQahwat bāridah
Pronunciation

Now:

The most popular coffee drink from the Middle East is Turkish coffee. But there are different variations that you should know as well.

1. Saudi Arabic Coffee (Al–qahwa)

The Saudi coffee is brewed from roasted coffee beans and blended with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and saffron. It is usually served in a dallah (Arabic coffee pot) with candied fruits or dates.

To order it, you’d say, “hal yumkinuni alhusul ealaa finjan min alqahwat alearabiat alsueudia.”

2. Turkish Coffee

Get this:

Turkish coffee is often brewed without filtering. Also, regardless of the many coffee cup sizes out there, the Turks prefer to serve theirs in traditional small cups.

The best part:

You can read your fortune with Turkish coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup.

So:

To order a Turkish coffee, you can say, “hal yumkinuni alhusul finjan min alqahwat alturkia.”

3. Yemeni Arabic Coffee

The Yemen Arabic coffee is a crowd favorite due to its rich flavor and is well-known for its chocolate aftertaste.

Common variations of Yemeni Arabic coffee are Allan coffee, Qishr Yemeni coffee, Sweet hadrami coffee, and Yemeni white coffee.

To order a Yemeni coffee, simply say, “hal yumkinuni alhusul ealaa finjan min alqahwat alyamania.”

How To Order Coffee In German (Kaffee)

Check this out:

Coffee is an essential part of German culture; Germans have a tradition of Kaffee und Kuchen. This tradition is a social gathering where family and friends come together to have a good time over coffee and cake.

In fact:

Study shows that the nation is the second leading importer of coffee globally. It invested over $3 billion and $450 million in coffee and beer importation, respectively, from 2020 to 2021.

So we can say that Germans prefer and drink a lot more coffee than beer.

Well:

If you ever find yourself ordering coffee from a German-speaking barista, the phrases below will make the job easier.

EnglishGerman
Good morning/ Good dayGuten Morgen/ Guten Tag.
Pronunciation
A coffee, please.Einen Kaffee, bitter.
Pronunciation
A coffee to go, please.Einen Kaffee zum Mitnehmen, bitter.
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Darf ich bitte die Speisekarte sehen?
Pronunciation
One coffee latte, please.Einen Kaffee Latte, bitter?
Pronunciation
With sugar, please.Mit Zucker, bitter.
Pronunciation
This coffee tastes great!Dieser Kaffee schmeckt hervorragend!
Pronunciation
Thank youDanke
Pronunciation

Here are some common coffee beverages you could find on a menu in a German café:

Coffee TypeGerman
Caffè Latte (With hot milk)Caffè Latte (mit heißer Milch)
Pronunciation
Iced CoffeeEiskaffee
Pronunciation
Black CoffeeSchwarzer Kaffee
Pronunciation
Turkish CoffeeTürkischer Kaffee
Pronunciation
EspressoEspresso
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMacchiato
Pronunciation
CappuccinoCappuccino
Pronunciation
MochaMokka
Pronunciation
Instant CoffeePulverkaffee
Pronunciation
Drip CoffeeKaffee tropfen
Pronunciation
LatteLatté
Pronunciation

Genieß deinen Kaffee!

How To Order Coffee in Japanese (Kōhī)

Fun fact:

The Japanese have the largest revenue generation of instant coffee in the world, according to Statista. Although famous for their tea-making expertise, they have also developed their unique coffee culture.

The cool part is:

You can have a delicious cup of coffee in a manga cafè reading comic books or an animal cafè feeding animals.

You can also select your preferred coffee bean depending on the coffee drink and flavor you want.

Amazing right?

Let me show you some simple phrases for ordering a cup of coffee in a Japanese setting.

EnglishJapanese
Hi, I’d like a small latte, please.Kon’nichiwa, chīsana rate o onegaishimasu.
Pronunciation
Can I have a large mocha to go?Ōkina moka o motte iku koto ga dekimasu ka?
Pronunciation
I’d like a coffee, please.Kōhī o onegaishimasu.
Pronunciation
Please add milk.Gyūnyū o irete kudasai.
Pronunciation
I’d like an espresso.Esupuresso o onegaishimasu.
Pronunciation
What is the coffee specialty in this region?Kono chiiki no kōhī no tokusan-hin wa nanidesu ka?
Pronunciation
How much does it cost?Sore wa dorekurai shimasu ka?
Pronunciation
Coffee to goTeikuauto no kōhī
Pronunciation

But that’s not all!

Now let us get to ordering our favorite coffee drink in Japanese:

Coffee TypeJapanese
Iced LatteAisurate
Pronunciation
EspressoEsupuresso
Pronunciation
AmericanoAmerikāno
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMakiāto
Pronunciation
Iced CoffeeAisukōhī
Pronunciation
CappuccinoKapuchīno
Pronunciation
MochaMoka
Pronunciation
Flat whiteFurattohowaito
Pronunciation

Easy Peasy!

How To Order Coffee in Mandarin (kā fēi)

We all know:

It’s common to get overwhelmed by the Chinese language, so you’re not the only one.

However:

Once you master the basics, ordering a cup of coffee in a Chinese setting would be child’s play.

You can memorize how to order your favorite coffee drinks in Mandarin with the help of the guide below.

EnglishMandarin
Hello! I’d like a large cup of coffee.Nǐ hǎo! Wǒ xiǎng yào yī dà bēi kāfēi.
Pronunciation
Can I get a cup of latte?Wǒ néng yào yībēi ná tiě ma?
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Wǒ kěyǐ kàn kàn càidān ma?
Pronunciation
I’d like a medium latte and double shots of espresso.Wǒ xiǎng yào yībēi zhōng bēi ná tiě hé shuāng fèn yì shì nóngsuō kāfēi.
Pronunciation
Hi! An americano, please.Nǐ hǎo! Qǐng lái yī fèn měishì kāfēi.
Pronunciation
Coffee to go.Kāfēi qù.
Pronunciation
To drink here.Lài zhèlǐ hējiǔ.
Pronunciation

Here are your favorite coffee flavors and what they are in Mandarin:

Coffee TypeMandarin
LatteNá tiě
Pronunciation
EspressoNóngsuō kāfēi
Pronunciation
MochaMókǎ kāfēi
Pronunciation
AmericanoMěishì kāfēi
Pronunciation
CappuccinoKǎ bù jī nuò
Pronunciation
Cold brewLěng cuì
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMǎ qí duǒ
Pronunciation
Double espressoShuāng fèn yì shì nó`ngsuō kāfēi
Pronunciation
Caramel macchiatoJiāo táng mǎ qí duǒ
Pronunciation
Black coffeeHēi kāfēi
Pronunciation

How To Order Coffee in Portuguese (Café)

Get this:

Coffee is an integral part of the socio-cultural system of the Portuguese people. Also, natives take coffee with family and friends more in cafés than at home.

In most towns and villages in Portugal, people often begin their day with an espresso or bica at a pastelaria.

As a result:

Cafés are on virtually every street serving sharp variants of this drink to cater to the vibrant coffee flair of the people.

Now:

Ordering coffee in Portuguese is not rocket science. All you need is some time to practice the following phrases below to order your favorite drink like a pro.

EnglishPortuguese
Can I have a coffee, please?Posso tomar um café, por favor
Pronunciation
Can I get an espresso, please?Posso pegar um expresso, por favor?
Pronunciation
Can I have a cappuccino, please?Posso tomar um cappuccino, por favor?
Pronunciation
Can I have a decaf coffee, please?Posso tomar um café descafeinado, por favor?
Pronunciation
Can I have a coffee to go, please?Posso tomar um café para viagem, por favor?
Pronunciation
Can I have a coffee with milk?Posso tomar um café com elite?
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Posso ver o cardápio, por favor?
Pronunciation
Double espresso, please?Espresso duplo, por favor?
Pronunciation

Here are some common coffee beverages in Portuguese:

Coffee TypePortuguese
EspressoExpresso
Pronunciation
CappuccinoCapuccino
Pronunciation
Coffee with milkCafé com elite
Pronunciation
LatteCafé com elite
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMacchiato
Pronunciation
MochaMoca
Pronunciation
AmericanoAmericano
Pronunciation
CortadoCortado
Pronunciation

Note:

The translations may vary slightly depending on the region or country that you are in.

How To Order Coffee in Russian (Kofe)

Fact:

Coffee in Russia has witnessed different waves in history; the rise and fall of the Soviets have been a major influence on this.

However:

The coffee-literate population in Russia has been on the increase in recent times. So numerous coffee shops are springing up, serving various flavors with different brewing methods.

Therefore:

Learning a phrase or two about ordering coffee in Russian is paramount to joining the new wave of Russian coffeeholic’s.

With this in mind, I have written a few phrases to help make your coffee-ordering experience much more pleasant.

EnglishRussian
Hello!Privet!
Pronunciation
I would like a cup of coffee.YA khotel by chashku kofe.
Pronunciation
I want an espresso, please.YA khochu espresso, pozhaluysta.
Pronunciation
I would like a cappuccino.YA by khotel kapuchino
Pronunciation
Small coffeeMalen’kiy kofe
Pronunciation
Large coffeeBol’shoy kofe
Pronunciation
Coffee with milk and sugar.Kofe s molokom i sakharom
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Mogu ya posmotret’ menyu, pozhaluysta?
Pronunciation
Thank youSpasibo
Pronunciation

T

o top it off:

I have added some popular coffee beverages and how to order them in Russian.

Let’s dive in!

Coffee TypeRussian
EspressoEspresso
Pronunciation
CappuccinoKapuchino
Pronunciation
LatteLatte
Pronunciation
AmericanoAmerikano
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMakiato
Pronunciation
Black coffeeChernyy kofe
Pronunciation
FrappuccinoFrappuchino
Pronunciation
Flat white coffeeFlet-uayt-kofe
Pronunciation
Caramel coffeeKaramel’nyy kofe
Pronunciation
Tea CoffeeChay kofe
Pronunciation

Note:

Tea is also a favorite of natives and either goes well with cookies, pastries, or cakes.

Vashe zdorovye!

How To Order Coffee in Korean (keopi)

Did you know?

Coffee culture has grown in popularity in South Korea, competing with that of traditional beverages like tea and soju.

It’s true!

In fact:

A survey conducted by Statista revealed that 47.7 percent of South Koreans consumed two to three cups of coffee per day.

Consequently:

You should get acquainted with common phrases in Korean to order coffee. This way, you’ll be able to explore the variety of coffee options from traditional coffee shops or specialty cafes.

Consider the following Korean phrases to spice up your conversations with Korean baristas.

EnglishKorean
Can I have a cup of coffee?keopi hanjan haedo doelkkayo?
Pronunciation
Can I have an iced coffee?aiseu keopi masil su issnayo?
Pronunciation
I’d like to add syrup.sileob-eul chugahago sipseubnida.
Pronunciation
I’d like to add milk.uyuleul chugahago sipseubnida
Pronunciation
How much is it?eolmaya?
Pronunciation
Can I have a hot coffee?tteugeoun keopileul masil su issseubnikka?
Pronunciation
Can I get a cup of coffee to go?gal ttae keopi han jan bad-eul su issnayo?
Pronunciation
Do you have soy milk?duyu iss-eoyo?
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?menyuleul bol su iss-eulkkayo?
Pronunciation

Check out these coffee beverages and what they translate to in Korean:

Coffee TypeKorean
Espressoeseupeuleso
Pronunciation
Americanoamelikano
Pronunciation
Lattelatte
Pronunciation
Decafdikapein
Pronunciation
Iced Coffeeaiseu keopi
Pronunciation
Hot Coffeetteugeoun keopi
Pronunciation
Coffee with milkuyuleul neoh-eun keopi
Pronunciation
Coffee with sugarseoltang-eul neoh-eun keopi
Pronunciation
Small Coffeejag-eun kepi
Pronunciation
Large Coffeelaji keopi
Pronunciation
Instant Coffeeinseuteonteu keopi
Pronunciation

With these phrases in mind, you should be confident walking into a Korean coffee shop to grab your favorite drink.

Pro Tip: Feel free to practice speaking Korean. Even if you make mistakes, locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language and engage with you.

haeng-un-eul bil-eoyo!

How To Order Coffee in Swedish (Kaffe)

Get this:

The Swedes have an all-encompassing and quality-obsessed coffee culture. Even more, Swedes are among the largest consumers of coffee in the world.

Now:

The Swedish coffee culture is defined by the tradition of “fika.” It refers to the act of taking a break from work or daily activities to enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastries or snacks.

This ritual is so vital to Swedes that it’s considered a social obligation.

Now:

Swedish coffee is extremely strong, so you can start with an espresso-sized mug to see how it affects your digestion.

That being said:

Here are some common coffee-related phrases in Swedish that might be useful if you’re looking to order coffee.

EnglishSwedish
Can I have a cup of coffee, please?Kan jag ta en kopp kaffe, tack?
Pronunciation
What types of coffee do you have?Vilka typer av kaffe har du?
Pronunciation
Is the coffee organic?Är kaffet ekologiskt?
Pronunciation
A milk packet, please.Ett mjölkpaket, tack.
Pronunciation
Do you have anything other than sugar?Har du något annat än socker?
Pronunciation
Do you have soy milk?Har du sojamjölk?
Pronunciation
I want an espresso, please.Jag vill ha en espresso, tack.
Pronunciation
Can I get a cup of coffee to go?Kan jag få en kopp kaffe att gå?
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Får jag se menyn, tack?
Pronunciation
How much is it?vad kostar det?
Pronunciation

What’s more?

Whether you prefer a simple black coffee or a more complex specialty drink, you’ll surely find something you like in Sweden.

So:

The following are some of the popular coffee types in Sweden.

Coffee TypesSwedish
LatteLatte
Pronunciation
CappuccinoCappuccino
Pronunciation
EspressoEspresso
Pronunciation
AmericanoAmericano
Pronunciation
MacchiatoMacchiato
Pronunciation
MochaMocka
Pronunciation

Pro Tip: If you have some difficulty speaking Swedish, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The Swedish people are known for their kindness and hospitality and will be happy to assist you.

Lycka till!

How To Order Coffee in Greek (Kafés)

Get this:

Greeks are great fanatics of coffee, and their coffee culture is an integral part of their daily routine.

Also:

Greek coffee is not the same as what we typically call “coffee” in the Western world.

It is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a small, narrow-necked conical pot called a “briki.” The result is a thick, robust, flavorful coffee served in small cups.

Now:

Whether you’re at a traditional coffee shop, a café, or even a street vendor, knowing how to order coffee in Greek can enhance your experience.

Here are some common phrases that can help you order coffee in Greece.

EnglishGreek
I would like a coffee, please.Tha íthela énan kafé parakaló.
Pronunciation
A Greek coffee, please.Énas ellinikós kafés, parakaló
Pronunciation
A Greek frappe, please.Énas ellinikós frapé, parakaló.
Pronunciation
Can I have some milk, please?Boró na écho lígo gála parakaló?
Pronunciation
Do you have anything other than sugar?Écheis káti állo ektós apó záchari?
Pronunciation
What is the coffee specialty in this region?Poia eínai i spesialité tou kafé se aftí tin periochí?
Pronunciation
This coffee tastes great!Aftós o kafés échei ypérochi géfsi!
Pronunciation

Note:

The Greek frappe is a popular iced coffee drink made by blending instant coffee, sugar, and cold water.

It’s also worth noting that Greeks typically drink their coffee without milk. So make sure to request milk if it’s your fancy, using the phrase, Boró na écho lígo gála parakaló? It means, “can I have some milk, please?”

Now:

Greece is known for its rich coffee culture, and tourists commonly enjoy several local coffee beverages. Each coffee type has its own unique flavor, strength, and preparation method.

Below are some of the most common coffee types in Greece:

Coffee TypesGreek
Greek CoffeeELLINIKOS KAFES
Pronunciation
FrappéChtypiménos
Pronunciation
Filter coffeeKafés fíltrou
Pronunciation
EspressoEspréso
Pronunciation
CappuccinoKapoutsíno
Pronunciation

Chairetísmata!

How To Order Coffee in Somali (Kafeega)

Fun fact:

Somali is one of the official languages spoken in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Today, coffee is a vital part of Ethiopian culture. It is the country’s main export and provides a livelihood for millions of farmers and their families.

Therefore:

It is not surprising that a lot of coffee drinkers consider Ethiopia to have the best coffee beans in Africa.

Coffee and Ethiopia are deeply intertwined, and the drink holds a special place in the country’s cultural and economic history.

So:

If you’re planning to visit Ethiopia or a Somali-speaking nation, here are some coffee-ordering phrases to bolster your experience.

EnglishSomali
I want a cup of coffee.Waxaan rabaa koob kafee ah.
Pronunciation
Can I have a cup of black coffee?Ma heli karaa koob kafee madow ah?
Pronunciation
I want coffee with milk.Waxaan rabaa qaxwo caano leh.
Pronunciation
I want coffee with sugar.Waxaan rabaa qaxwo sonkor leh.
Pronunciation
Can I have more coffee?Kafee badan ma heli karaa?
Pronunciation
Coffee to gofee si aad u tagto
Pronunciation
May I see the menu, please?Ma arki karaa liiska, fadlan?
Pronunciation

Note:

Ethiopia is known for producing a wide range of coffee variants with eccentric flavor profiles.

Here are some of the most common coffee types found in Ethiopia:

  • Yirgacheffe: A light-bodied coffee with a floral and citrus flavor, grown in the Yirgacheffe region of southern Ethiopia.
  • Harrar: A medium-bodied coffee with a fruity and wine-like flavor, grown in the Harrar region of eastern Ethiopia.
  • Sidamo: A medium-bodied coffee with a chocolate and fruit flavor, grown in the Sidamo region of southern Ethiopia.
  • Limu: A medium-bodied coffee with a chocolate and spice flavor, grown in the Limu region of southwestern Ethiopia.
  • Djimmah: A medium-bodied coffee with a chocolate and nut flavor, grown in the Jimma region of southwestern Ethiopia.

These coffee types are often blended to create dynamic flavor profiles. Moreover, they are highly valued by coffee connoisseurs for their distinctive taste and quality.

Conclusion

Let’s take a recap:

Millions of people worldwide enjoy coffee, regardless of language and culture.

Think about it:

The barrier only surfaces when you don’t understand a language and can’t communicate with foreign baristas to get a refreshing coffee drink. 

But with this article, I’m pretty sure you can waltz into most cafés, confident to order your desired coffee.

As a reminder:

How do you order coffee in different languages?

  • In French, you say; Je voudrais un café.
  • In Spanish, you say; Quisiera una taza de café, por favor.
  • In Japanese, you say; Kōhī o kudasai.
  • In Italian, you say; Un caffè per favore.
  • In Korean, you say; keopi hanjan haedo doelkkayo?

See? It’s that easy!

You can also explore other common phrases in this article. In addition, remember to pick up a pastry to enjoy with your delicious cup of coffee!

Finally, if this article was helpful, do leave a comment below. If you have any questions, you can contact our certified baristas, who will be more than glad to provide answers.


What Language Is the Word Coffee Derived From?

The word “coffee” permeated the English language in 1582 through the Dutch word “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve.” Interestingly, it was also borrowed from the Arabic word “qahwa.”

How Do You Say Cup of Coffee in Different Languages?

The French and Italians say “Tasse de café” and “Tazza di caffè,” respectively. Spanish speakers say, “Taza de cafe.” While Germans and Japanese say, “Tasse Kaffee” and “Ippai no kōhī.”

Where Were Coffee Grounds First Discovered?

The Ethiopian plateau is believed to be the origin of coffee. A goat herder, Kaldi, discovered that some of his goats had a burst of energy after eating the berries that had fallen from a tree. Upon tasting them himself, he realized he could stay awake for quite a long period.

Who Were the First Coffee Drinkers?

The Arabs are believed to have been the first to roast and brew coffee. After discovering the first coffee species, Coffea arabica, they were also the first to cultivate coffee plants.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

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