China has a rich history and culture when it comes to tea consumption, but in recent years, coffee has been gaining popularity throughout the country. Whether you find yourself in Beijing, Shanghai, or any other Chinese city, knowing how to order coffee can be quite useful. However, language can be a barrier, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. In this beginner’s guide, I will walk you through the process of ordering coffee in Chinese, making your visit to a local café a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Basic Phrases to Know
Before diving into the details of ordering coffee, it’s helpful to learn some basic Chinese phrases that will come in handy during your visit to a café. Here are a few essential phrases to get you started:
1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
The most basic greeting in any language is “hello,” and in Chinese, it’s “你好” (Nǐ hǎo). Using this simple phrase when you enter a café will help establish a friendly connection with the staff.
2. 我想要 (Wǒ xiǎng yào) – I would like
When ordering coffee, you can use the phrase “我想要” (Wǒ xiǎng yào), which translates to “I would like.” This phrase will let the staff know that you want to place an order.
3. 请 (Qǐng) – Please
Adding the word “请” (Qǐng) before your request is considered polite and shows respect. So, saying “请给我一杯咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi kāfēi), meaning “Please give me a cup of coffee,” will go a long way.
4. 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you
To show gratitude, remember to say “谢谢” (Xièxiè), which means “thank you” in Chinese. A simple “谢谢” (Xièxiè) after receiving your coffee will make the interaction more pleasant.
Types of Coffee
1. 浓缩咖啡 (Nóngsuō kāfēi) – Espresso
If you’re a fan of strong and intense coffee, then ordering an espresso is your go-to choice. In Chinese, an espresso is called “浓缩咖啡” (Nóngsuō kāfēi). You can simply say “请给我一杯浓缩咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi nóngsuō kāfēi) to request a cup of espresso.
2. 拿铁咖啡 (Nátiě kāfēi) – Latte
For those who enjoy a creamy and milder coffee, a latte is a perfect choice. In Chinese, a latte is known as “拿铁咖啡” (Nátiě kāfēi). To order a latte, you can say “请给我一杯拿铁咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi nátiě kāfēi).
3. 卡布奇诺 (Kǎbùqínuò) – Cappuccino
If you prefer your coffee with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and froth, then a cappuccino is the way to go. In Chinese, a cappuccino is called “卡布奇诺” (Kǎbùqínuò). Asking for a cappuccino can be done by saying “请给我一杯卡布奇诺” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi kǎbùqínuò).
4. 美式咖啡 (Měishì kāfēi) – Americano
An Americano is a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger coffee with a higher water-to-espresso ratio. In Chinese, an Americano is referred to as “美式咖啡” (Měishì kāfēi). You can request an Americano by saying “请给我一杯美式咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi měishì kāfēi).
Customizing Your Coffee
1. 加糖 (Jiā táng) – Add sugar
To sweeten your coffee, you can add sugar by saying “加糖” (Jiā táng). For example, if you want to order a latte with sugar, you can say “请给我一杯加糖拿铁咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi jiā táng nátiě kāfēi).
2. 不加糖 (Bù jiā táng) – No sugar
On the other hand, if you prefer your coffee without any sugar, you can say “不加糖” (Bù jiā táng). For instance, to order an espresso without sugar, you can say “请给我一杯不加糖浓缩咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi bù jiā táng nóngsuō kāfēi).
3. 加奶 (Jiā nǎi) – Add milk
If you enjoy a creamy texture in your coffee, you can request the addition of milk by saying “加奶” (Jiā nǎi). For example, to order a cappuccino with milk, you can say “请给我一杯加奶卡布奇诺” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi jiā nǎi kǎbùqínuò).
4. 不加奶 (Bù jiā nǎi) – No milk
Alternatively, if you prefer your coffee without milk, you can say “不加奶” (Bù jiā nǎi). For instance, to order an Americano without milk, you can say “请给我一杯不加奶美式咖啡” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi bù jiā nǎi měishì kāfēi).
Paying for Your Coffee
Once you’ve successfully placed your order, it’s time to pay for your coffee. In most Chinese cafés, you’ll find a cash register or a staff member waiting for payment. Here are some phrases to help you through the payment process:
1. 请问多少钱 (Qǐngwèn duō shǎo qián) – How much is it?
To ask for the price of your coffee, you can say “请问多少钱” (Qǐngwèn duō shǎo qián). The staff will then inform you of the total amount you need to pay.
2. 这是现金 (Zhè shì xiànjīn) – Here is cash
If you’re paying with cash, you can hand over your money and say “这是现金” (Zhè shì xiànjīn). The staff will appreciate your readiness to pay.
3. 可以刷卡吗 (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma) – Can I pay by card?
If you prefer paying by card, you can ask “可以刷卡吗” (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma). The staff will guide you on whether card payments are accepted or not.
Enjoying Your Coffee in China
Now that you have successfully ordered and paid for your coffee, it’s time to find a cozy spot and enjoy your drink. Chinese cafés often provide seating areas where you can relax, socialize, or even catch up on some work. Take your time, savor your coffee, and embrace the ambiance of the café.
Remember, this beginner’s guide is just the starting point. As you explore more cafés and interact with the friendly staff, you will become more comfortable ordering coffee in Chinese. Don’t be afraid to try new coffee variations or experiment with customizations to suit your taste preferences. Embrace the experience and have fun exploring the local coffee culture in China!
In conclusion, ordering coffee in Chinese may seem daunting at first, but with a few basic phrases and an understanding of coffee types, you can confidently order your favorite coffee in any Chinese café. So, next time you find yourself in China, give it a try!