{"id":144133,"date":"2023-08-28T01:13:15","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T05:13:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/how-to-order-coffee-in-spanish\/"},"modified":"2025-01-25T05:11:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T10:11:13","slug":"how-to-order-coffee-in-spanish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/how-to-order-coffee-in-spanish\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Order Coffee in Spanish Your Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re a coffee lover visiting a Spanish-speaking country, knowing how to order your cup of joe is a must.\u00a0We’re here to save you from a pre-caffeine panic when the barista asks you “\u00bfEn que le puedo ayudar?”<\/em> (How can I help you?)\u00a0<\/p>\n

In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know to order your favorite coffee drink.\u00a0We’ll go over how to place an order, the different types of coffee drinks and the many types of milks and other additives you can add to your cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Phrases for Ordering Coffee in Spanish<\/h2>\n

A common mistake Spanish learners often make is using the phrase “Puedo tener…?”<\/em> to order something at a caf\u00e9 or restaurant, similar to how\u00a0we say “Can I have…?” in English. This, however, is incorrect.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can use these phrases instead:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish <\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Un caf\u00e9, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>A coffee, please.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00bfMe da un caf\u00e9, por favor?<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n \u00bfMe das un caf\u00e9, por favor?<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		Can you give me a coffee, please? (formal, informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quisiera un caf\u00e9, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n \/ Me gustar\u00eda un caf\u00e9, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>I'd like a coffee, please.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tr\u00e1igame un caf\u00e9, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n Tr\u00e1eme un caf\u00e9, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		Bring me a coffee, please. (formal, informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00bfMe traer\u00eda un caf\u00e9?<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n \u00bfMe traer\u00edas un caf\u00e9?<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		Would you bring me a coffee? (formal, informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voy a pedir un caf\u00e9 con leche.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>I'm going to order a coffee with milk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Para m\u00ed...un caf\u00e9 con leche.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>For me...a coffee with milk. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00bfSer\u00eda tan amable de traerme un caf\u00e9?<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n \u00bfSer\u00edas tan amable de traerme un caf\u00e9?<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		Would you be so kind as to bring me a coffee? (formal, informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

You may have experienced that moment of panic when the server or barista approaches you and you haven’t decided on your order yet<\/strong>. In those situations, you can use one of these phrases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Un momento, por favor.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>Just a minute, please.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Todav\u00eda estoy viendo.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>I\u2019m still looking.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
No he decidido a\u00fan.<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>I haven't decided yet.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

How to Address the Staff at a Restaurant or Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n

You may have noticed that we provided the formal and informal versions of a few of the phrases above. So should you use t\u00fa<\/em> or usted<\/em><\/a> with a server, barista or other staff at a restaurant or caf\u00e9?<\/p>\n

In Spain<\/strong>, it’s very common to use the informal t\u00fa<\/em> form with restaurant staff<\/strong>. It isn’t considered rude as long as you treat them with respect.<\/p>\n

In Latin America<\/strong>, it’s also common for people to address restaurant staff as t\u00fa<\/em>, although older people will often use\u00a0usted <\/em>and you’ll definitely hear this formal address more often<\/strong> than in Spain. If you want to be extra careful, you can use the usted <\/em>form, especially if the person is older than you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, again, it’s not considered rude to treat restaurant staff informally with the t\u00fa<\/em> form, as long as you’re kind and polite.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Essential Vocabulary for Placing Your Order<\/h2>\n

How best to\u00a0order exactly what you want<\/a>? Learn your coffee lingo! With so many choices, it\u2019s not hard to mix things up, so let\u2019s go over the basics.<\/p>\n

Types of Coffee Drinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish<\/th>English<\/th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
caf\u00e9 solo<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>\"only coffee\"<\/td>Popular in Spain, this is a single shot of espresso served in a small cup.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 negro<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>black cofee<\/td>Like in English, this is just plain coffee with no milk, cream or sweetener.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 doble <\/a>\n <\/td>double coffee<\/td>This one is also exactly what the name implies: two shots of espresso. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 americano <\/a>\n <\/td>American coffee<\/td>This is typically espresso diluted with water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
cortado <\/a>\n <\/td>\"cut coffee\"<\/td>This is espresso \u201ccut\u201d with a bit of milk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 con leche <\/a>\n <\/td>coffee with milk<\/td>This usually comes with about half espresso (or coffee) and half milk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 con leche y canela <\/a>\n <\/td>coffee with milk and cinnamon<\/td>In Mexico, coffee with cinnamon is called \"caf\u00e9 de olla.\"<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 con hielo <\/a>\n \/ caf\u00e9 del tiempo <\/a>\n <\/td>coffee with ice<\/td>Unless you're in a more modern coffee shop, you might just get some coffee and a cup of ice if you order this! <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
cafe descafeinado <\/a>\n <\/td>decaf coffee<\/td>This won't be available everywhere, but if you want the coffee taste without the caffeine rush, now you can ask for it. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 instant\u00e1neo<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n\/ caf\u00e9 soluble<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		instant coffee<\/td>This is popular in much of Latin America. You can ask \u201c\u00bfEl caf\u00e9 es instant\u00e1neo o en grano?\u201d<\/em> <\/a>\n (\u201cIs the coffee instant or whole bean?\u201d).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
caf\u00e9 de tueste ligero<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n
\n de tueste medio<\/em> <\/a>\n
\n
\n de tueste oscuro<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		light roast coffee
\n
\nmedium roast
\n
\n
\ndark roast<\/td>		If you're somewhere in Latin America that offers these options, you're probably in for a great cup of coffee. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

If you’re buying coffee beans at a coffee shop, they’ll probably ask you if you want it en grano o molido<\/strong><\/em> (whole bean or ground).<\/p>\n

Another way to say coffee in beans (not instant) is caf\u00e9 para pasar<\/em><\/strong>, which literally translates to “coffee to pass” and means it will pass through the coffee or espresso machine. You can ask for this at a grocery store, for example.<\/p>\n

If you want to learn more about coffee terms in Spanish, check out this video podcast:<\/p>\n

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Types of Milk<\/h3>\n

Nowadays, there are a plethora of milk options available. Don’t expect to have these options at most small coffee shops or restaurants in Latin America, but if you’re in a big city or a particularly touristy area, these terms may come in handy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
leche entera<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>whole milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche\u00a0semidesnatada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>reduced fat milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche desnatada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>skim milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche condensada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>condensed milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de vaca<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>cow\u2019s milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de cabra<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>goat\u2019s milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de soya<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>soy milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de almendra<\/em> <\/a>\n \u00a0<\/td>almond milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de avellana<\/em> <\/a>\n \u00a0<\/td>hazelnut milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de anacardo<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>cashew milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de avena<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>oat milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche de coco<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>coconut milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche vaporizada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>steamed milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
espuma<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>foam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche caliente<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>hot milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
leche tibia<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>warm milk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Again, not all types will be available everywhere, but it never hurts to ask\u2014and practice your Spanish!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Coffee Additives<\/h3>\n

Looking for something to mix into that caf\u00e9 <\/em>other than leche<\/em>? Here are some common options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish<\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
az\u00facar<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>sugar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
miel<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>honey<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
estevia<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>stevia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
edulcorante<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>sweetener<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
crema<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>cream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
crema batida<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>whipped cream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
jarabes saborizados
\n(vainilla, caramelo, etc.)<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>		flavored syrups
\n(vanilla, caramel, etc.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
canela<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>cinnamon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
cacao en polvo<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>cocoa powder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nuez moscada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>nutmeg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Like with the different types of milk, these options won’t be available everywhere you go. But now you can ask for them or recognize them on a menu!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other Helpful Coffee-Related Vocabulary<\/h3>\n

If you’re a true coffee fan, you might need to know some of these useful terms related to ordering, drinking and preparing coffee:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Spanish <\/th>English<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
una cafeter\u00eda<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a caf\u00e9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una taza<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a mug<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
un vaso<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a glass<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
un termo<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a thermos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
para llevar<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>to go\/to take away<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
para servir<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>for here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una cafetera<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a coffee maker<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
un filtro de caf\u00e9<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a coffee filter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
un molinillo de caf\u00e9 <\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a coffee grinder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una cafetera de \u00e9mbolo<\/em> <\/a>\n \/ prensa francesa<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a French press<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una m\u00e1quina de espresso<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>an espresso machine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
granos de caf\u00e9<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>coffee beans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
arom\u00e1tico<\/em> <\/a>\n \/ arom\u00e1tica<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>aromatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
el tueste de caf\u00e9<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>the coffee roast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
molido fino<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>fine ground<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
molido grueso<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>course ground<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una cucharilla<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a teaspoon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
una cucharada<\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>a scoop\/tablespoon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
empaque al vac\u00edo <\/em> <\/a>\n <\/td>vaccuum-sealed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Regional Varieties of Coffee Drinks<\/h2>\n

Coffee is produced in so many Spanish-speaking countries<\/a> it\u2019s not surprising that they have a couple of special brews up their sleeves.<\/p>\n

If you’re in Spain and want a coffee with a kick of alcohol, order un<\/em><\/strong> carajillo<\/strong>.<\/em> This is espresso served with rum, whisky or brandy. If you’re in Chile around Christmas time, order a cola de mono<\/strong><\/em> or Colemono<\/strong><\/em>, usually made with aguardiente (a type of liquor), milk, sugar, coffee and cloves.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a sweet tooth, order a caf\u00e9 bomb\u00f3n<\/strong>.<\/em> Originating in Valencia, Spain, it’s made by layering espresso with condensed milk<\/a> and is typically served in a glass cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you’re in Cuba (or Miami), you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a caf\u00e9 cubano<\/strong>,<\/em> which is made by pouring a hot shot of espresso over sugar and then stirring them together. Or you can make your own at home:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Coffee Culture in Spanish-speaking Countries<\/h2>\n

Spanish-speaking countries are known for having a culture where tomar un\u00a0caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/em> (to have a coffee) is a common expression and is done throughout the day, including after dinner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Coffee drinking in Spanish-speaking countries is a social event<\/strong>, a time for chatting with friends, family and colleagues. It’s something to be enjoyed and savored. Even early in the day, most who stop for a morning cup don\u2019t rush out of the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

That’s why you probably won’t see to-go cups in various sizes on display<\/strong> in most coffee shops in Spanish-speaking countries. If you order a caf\u00e9 solo<\/em>, you’ll probably get it in a very small cup\u2014sometimes almost like a shot glass. Otherwise, your coffee drink will likely come in a mug.<\/p>\n

If you can, try to do like the locals do and take some time to enjoy it, rather than rushing off to your next activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And for more practice, watch native speakers order at restaurants and caf\u00e9s with an immersive language learning program like FluentU<\/a>.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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