☕🙏

How to Say ‘A coffee, please.’ in Italian

Un caffè, per favore.

oon kahf-FEH pair fah-VOH-reh

[oon kahf-FEH pair fah-VOH-reh]

🇮🇹 In Italy: In Italy un caffè means an espresso by default, not a mug of filter coffee. If you want something longer, ask for un caffè americano "an americano".

Phrase Breakdown

Un caffè,

oon kahf-FEH

A coffee,

In Italy, 'caffè' means an espresso. Stress the final 'è' and hold the 'ff': kaf-FEH.

Example

Un caffè al banco.

A coffee at the counter.

Words in this phrase

[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.

per favore.

pair fah-VOH-reh

please.

This is the polite 'please'. Say it per fa-VO-re.

Example

Il conto, per favore.

The bill, please.

Words in this phrase

per

[pair]

please / for

Part of the polite expression per favore, used to soften a request.

Example

Dico per favore quando parlo con il negoziante.

I say please when I speak with the shopkeeper.

favore

[fah-VOH-reh]

favor / please

Used with per to make a polite request: please.

Example

Il menù, per favore, grazie.

The menu, please, thank you.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer