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How to Say ‘I'd like a coffee, but a large one if possible.’ in Italian

Vorrei un caffè, ma possibilmente grande.

Vor-ray oon kahf-FEH mah pos-see-beel-MEN-teh Gran-deh

[Vor-ray oon kahf-FEH mah pos-see-beel-MEN-teh Gran-deh]

🇮🇹 In Italy: In an Italian bar, un caffè gets you a small espresso by default. Asking for it grande marks you as a visitor, and there's no standard large size on the menu.

Phrase Breakdown

Vorrei un caffè,

Vor-ray oon kahf-FEH

I would like a coffee,

This is a polite request. Roll the 'rr', and stress the final 'è' of 'caffè'. Pause briefly at the comma.

Example

Vorrei un caffè, grazie.

I would like a coffee, thanks.

Words in this phrase

Vorrei

[Vor-ray]

I would like

Used to express a polite request or desire.

Example

Vorrei un caffè, per favore.

I would like a coffee, please.

[oon]

a / an

An indefinite article meaning 'a' before a masculine singular noun.

Example

È stato un incontro molto utile.

It was a very useful meeting.

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.

ma possibilmente grande.

mah pos-see-beel-MEN-teh Gran-deh

but a large one, if possible.

'Ma' means 'but', and 'possibilmente' means 'if possible'. Stress 'men' in pos-si-bil-MEN-te, and stress 'gran' in GRAN-de.

Example

Una pizza, ma possibilmente grande.

A pizza, but a large one if possible.

Words in this phrase

[mah]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting statement or question.

Example

Ma non capisco perché ma allora lei è felice.

But I don't understand why but then she is happy.

possibilmente

[pos-see-beel-MEN-teh]

if possible / preferably

Adverb used to soften a request, meaning 'if it can be done'.

Example

Vorrei un tavolo, possibilmente vicino alla finestra.

I'd like a table, preferably near the window.

grande

[Gran-deh]

Large

Describes a large size or quantity.

Example

Ordino un caffè grande ogni mattina.

I order a large coffee every morning.

Guides for Italian learners

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