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caffè

coffee

noun kahf-FEH Less Common
Food & Drink Drinks

Origin: Arabic qahwa via Turkish kahve

Also means

café

Usage Note

Caffè is invariable — the plural is also caffè (not caffès). It means both the drink and the establishment (a café or bar). In Italy, un caffè by default means a short espresso; to get a longer drink, specify caffè lungo or americano. The phrase 'prendere un caffè' (to have a coffee) is central to Italian social life. Note the grave accent on the final syllable: caffè, not caffe.

Examples

"Mi piace il caffè al mattino."

Natural Translation

I like coffee in the morning.

Literal Translation

To-me pleases the coffee in-the morning.

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