Italian · Real conversations
Cafés: useful Italian phrases
Order a drink and clarify a small detail.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- A coffee, please
un caffè, per favore
A coffee, please
- To go, please (takeaway)
da portare via, per favore
To go, please (takeaway)
- Water
l'acqua
Water
- No, thank you
no, grazie
No, thank you
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Italian |
|---|---|
| A coffee, please | un caffè, per favore A coffee, please |
| To go, please (takeaway) | da portare via, per favore To go, please (takeaway) |
| Water | l'acqua Water |
| No, thank you | no, grazie No, thank you |
| Could I have it without ...? | Potrei averlo senza …? Show English translationCould I have it without …? |
| Is this for here or to take away? | È da consumare qui o da portare via? Show English translationIs this for here or to take away? |
| Could you make it decaf? | Potrebbe farlo decaffeinato? Show English translationCould you make it decaf? |
| Can I have tap water? | Potrei avere dell'acqua del rubinetto? Show English translationCan I have tap water? |
| Is service included? | Il servizio è incluso? Show English translationIs service included? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Che cosa vuole nel caffè?
What would you like in your coffee?
You
Potrei averlo senza zucchero?
Could I have it without sugar?
Partner
È da consumare qui o da portare via?
Is this for here or to take away?
You
Da asporto, per favore.
To take away, please.
Cafés in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
