☕🙏

How to Say ‘An espresso, please’ in Portuguese

Um café, por favor

oong kah-FEH pohr fah-vor

[oong kah-FEH pohr fah-vor]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: um café means a short espresso by default. In Lisbon you'll also hear it called uma bica.

Phrase Breakdown

Um café,

oong kah-FEH

A coffee,

In Portugal, 'um café' is a small espresso. Say 'oong kuh-FEH' and stress the end.

Example

Bebo um café todos os dias.

I drink a coffee every day.

Words in this phrase

[oong]

An indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Em «um» prazer, o artigo introduz a expressão educada.

In “a” pleasure, the article introduces the polite expression.

café

[kah-FEH]

coffee

Literally coffee; in networking contexts, it often means an informal meeting.

Example

Aceitava um café para falarmos melhor.

I would accept a coffee to talk more properly.

por favor

pohr fah-vor

please

This is the polite word 'please'. Say 'poor fuh-VOHR'.

Example

Mais pão, por favor.

More bread, please.

Words in this phrase

por

[pohr]

please

Used to make a request more polite.

Example

Perguntei, 'por favor', sobre a disponibilidade.

I asked, 'please', about the availability.

favor

[fah-vor]

please

A polite expression used when making a request.

Example

A conta, por favor, já foi pedida.

The bill, please, has already been requested.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“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