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How to Say ‘Coffee means espresso’ in Italian

Il caffè è l'espresso

eel kahf-FEH eh l Es-PREH-soh

[eel kahf-FEH eh l Es-PREH-soh]

Phrase Breakdown

Il caffè

eel kahf-FEH

The coffee

This is the article 'il' plus the noun. Stress the last syllable: caf-FÈ.

Example

Il caffè è caldo.

The coffee is hot.

Words in this phrase

Il

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

caffè

[kahf-FEH]

coffee

"Caffè" means "coffee" and often suggests an informal meeting, very common in Italian professional culture.

Example

Dopo la conferenza, ci incontriamo davanti a un caffè.

After the conference, we’ll meet over a coffee.

è l'espresso

eh l Es-PREH-soh

is espresso

'È' means 'is'. Link 'l'' smoothly to 'espresso', and stress 'pres': es-PRES-so.

Example

Questo è l'espresso.

This is the espresso.

Words in this phrase

è

[eh]

is

Third-person singular of 'essere'; used to describe a person, company, or situation.

Example

Quando dici È in È molto umana, stai descrivendo l'azienda.

When you say 'È' in 'È molto umana,' you are describing the company.

l'

[l]

the (before a vowel)

Contracted article used before a vowel; part of the expression "l'importante."

Example

"L'" atmosfera dello stadio è unica.

The atmosphere of the stadium is unique.

espresso

[Es-PREH-soh]

Espresso

A strong coffee brewed by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans.

Example

L'espresso è il mio tipo di caffè preferito.

Espresso is my favorite type of coffee.

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