咖啡 — meaning in English: coffee

kāfēi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for coffee

咖啡

kāfēi

叛军

pàn jūn

保持

bǎochí

土地

tǔdì

电视

diànshì

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 咖啡 (kāfēi) in casual conversations when discussing preferences for beverages, especially during breakfast or social gatherings. You might hear it at a café or when inviting friends over for a chat, where coffee is a central part of the experience.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for coffee in Mandarin is 冷饮 (lěngyǐn), meaning cold drink, but this is more general. 咖啡 (kāfēi) specifically refers to coffee itself, while 冷饮 could encompass various cold beverages. Use 咖啡 when you mean coffee specifically, especially in social contexts.

Culture

The term 咖啡 (kāfēi) is derived from the English word 'coffee,' reflecting the influence of Western culture on Chinese dining and social habits in the 20th century. Interestingly, coffee culture is rapidly growing in China, with a significant rise in coffee shops, particularly among younger generations, turning coffee drinking into a trendy social activity.

FAQ

Q.How do you say coffee in Mandarin?

The word for coffee in Mandarin is 咖啡, pronounced kāfēi. It's a commonly used term in both casual and formal settings.

Q.What are some common coffee drinks in Chinese?

In addition to 咖啡 (kāfēi), you might encounter terms like 拿铁 (nátiě) for latte and 美式咖啡 (měishì kāfēi) for Americano. These terms reflect different types of coffee preparations popular in China.

Q.Can you use 咖啡 in formal situations?

Yes, 咖啡 is considered a neutral term and can be appropriately used in both informal conversations and more formal settings, such as business meetings where beverages are offered.

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