Ordering coffee in French is about more than just knowing the language. You need to get the local coffee culture too. It matters what type of coffee you pick, depending on the time of day, and how you act in a Parisian café. Each choice is key to your experience. As you get ready to dive into this classic French custom, think about more than just your words. Think about when and where you use them. This guide will help you speak clearly and understand the cultural bits too. That way, your coffee order will sound just right to the barista, and you’ll enjoy this cherished French tradition even more.
How to Order Coffee in French
Phrases and Vocabulary for Ordering Coffee
Knowing the right words and phrases makes ordering coffee in French easy. Start with the basics: to order a simple espresso, just say “Un café, s’il vous plaît.”
For black coffee, ask for “Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.” If you like coffee with milk, say “Un café au lait.” Prefer a weaker coffee? Go for “Un café américain.”
If you’re ordering two coffees, say, “Deux cafés, s’il vous plaît.” To specify no sugar, just add “sans sucre.” And remember, being polite is key — always say “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you).
| French Phrase | English Translation |
| Bonjour | Good morning |
| Bon après-midi | Good afternoon |
| Bonsoir | Good evening |
| Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît | I would like a coffee, please |
| Un espresso, s’il vous plaît | An espresso, please |
| Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît | A coffee with milk, please |
| Un cappuccino, s’il vous plaît | A cappuccino, please |
| Un café noir, s’il vous plaît | A black coffee, please |
| Un café américain, s’il vous plaît | An Americano, please |
| Un café décaféiné, s’il vous plaît | A decaf coffee, please |
| Un latte, s’il vous plaît | A latte, please |
| Un macchiato, s’il vous plaît | A macchiato, please |
| Un café glacé, s’il vous plaît | An iced coffee, please |
| Un café avec du sucre, s’il vous plaît | A coffee with sugar, please |
| Un café sans sucre, s’il vous plaît | A coffee without sugar, please |
| Un café avec de la crème, s’il vous plaît | A coffee with cream, please |
| Un café sans crème, s’il vous plaît | A coffee without cream, please |
| Quelle taille souhaitez-vous? | What size would you like? |
| Petit | Small |
| Moyen | Medium |
| Grand | Large |
| À emporter, s’il vous plaît | To go, please |
| Sur place, s’il vous plaît | For here, please |
| Voulez-vous autre chose? | Would you like anything else? |
| C’est tout, merci | That’s all, thank you |
| Combien ça coûte? | How much does it cost? |
| L’addition, s’il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Merci | Thank you |
| De rien | You’re welcome |
Types of Coffee in French
When you’re in France and want coffee, it’s good to know what to ask for based on your taste. ‘Un café’ is a small, strong espresso. If you like it less strong, try ‘un café allongé,’ which is just watered-down espresso. For a bolder taste, go for ‘un café serré.’ If you’re into coffee with milk, consider ‘un café au lait’ or a ‘cappuccino,’ which comes with foamy milk. ‘Un café noisette’ is an espresso with a bit of milk. And if you want something cool, ‘un café glacé’ is an iced coffee. Each type has its own unique flavor, so you’re sure to find one that you love.
| French Type of Coffee | English Translation |
| Café | Coffee |
| Espresso | Espresso |
| Café au lait | Coffee with milk |
| Cappuccino | Cappuccino |
| Café noir | Black coffee |
| Café américain | Americano |
| Café décaféiné | Decaf coffee |
| Latte | Latte |
| Macchiato | Macchiato |
| Café glacé | Iced coffee |
| Café moka | Mocha coffee |
| Café viennois | Viennese coffee |
| Ristretto | Ristretto |
| Café allongé | Long coffee (similar to Americano) |
| Café cortado | Cortado |
| Café double | Double espresso |
| Café noisette | Hazelnut coffee |
| Café brésilien | Brazilian coffee |
| Café irlandais | Irish coffee |
| Café turc | Turkish coffee |
| Affogato | Affogato |
| Flat White | Flat White |
| Frappé | Frappé |
| Café frappé | Iced coffee (blended) |
| Café bombón | Coffee with condensed milk |
| Café con leche | Coffee with milk (Spanish style) |
| Café crème | Coffee with cream |
| Café serré | Strong coffee |
Also Read: Months Of The Year In French
Cultural Considerations for Ordering Coffee in France
Cultural habits shape how people order coffee in France. Here, enjoying coffee is a slow, relaxed activity, often enjoyed after meals. This is quite different from the grab-and-go coffee culture seen in some other places.
In France, people often take their time with coffee at a café, chatting or watching passersby. This shows how coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a key part of social life. Also, when you visit someone’s home, it’s normal to be offered coffee as a sign of welcome. Knowing these cultural details makes drinking coffee in France a richer experience.
Conclusion
Understanding how to order coffee in French will not just boost your language skills but also give you a deeper insight into French culture. As you start your coffee journey in France, knowing the right terms and customs will make your experiences richer. Whether you opt for a strong espresso or a creamy café crème, or choose to sip your coffee at the bar to save some euros, you’re ready to handle these situations. Keep visiting the Translation Blog for more translations.
