I can order at a bar: say Vorrei…, Prendo…, or Per me…, call the waiter politely, and ask how much I owe.
At the bar: three polite set phrases
At the bar: three polite set phrases
In an Italian bar (a café: coffee and snacks), you order standing at the counter and keep it short.
There are three polite set phrases: “Vorrei un caffè”, “Prendo un cappuccino”, “Per me un tè”. The shortest is “Un caffè, per favore”. In Italy, un caffè is an espresso.
“Vorrei” means “I'd like”: a set phrase; no need to take it apart now. “Prendo” (“I'll have”) sounds simpler and more everyday among friends.
To call the waiter: “Scusi” or “Senta” to an adult stranger, with Lei; “Scusa” only to someone you call tu. The waiter asks “Che cosa prende?” (with Lei) or “Che cosa prendi?” (with tu); answer with a set phrase, no need to repeat the verb.
“Ecco” (“here you are”) is said when serving: “Ecco il caffè”. To ask how much: “Quant'è?”
Common mistakes:
• NOT “Vorrei uno caffè” → “Vorrei un caffè” (uno only before s + consonant and z).
• NOT “Per me è un tè” → “Per me un tè” (no è here).
• NOT “Prendo di un panino” → “Prendo un panino” (no preposition).
• NOT “Senta, scusa!” → “Senta, scusi!” (one conversation, one form: Lei).
Three polite set phrases
Vorrei is the most polite; Prendo sounds more casual, among friends.
| Set phrase | Translation | When |
|---|---|---|
| Vorrei un caffè | I'd like a coffee | polite |
| Prendo un cappuccino | I'll have a cappuccino | simple, casual |
| Per me una spremuta | Juice for me | neutral |
| Un caffè, per favore | A coffee, please | the shortest |
Drinks and snacks at the bar
The word always comes with its article.
| Word with its article | Translation |
|---|---|
| il cappuccino | cappuccino |
| il cornetto | croissant |
| il panino | sandwich |
| il tè | tea |
| l'acqua naturale | still water |
| l'acqua frizzante | sparkling water |
| la spremuta | fresh-squeezed juice |
| lo zucchero | sugar |
Lesson notes
At the bar: three polite set phrases
In an Italian bar (a café: coffee and snacks), you order standing at the counter and keep it short.
There are three polite set phrases: “Vorrei un caffè”, “Prendo un cappuccino”, “Per me un tè”. The shortest is “Un caffè, per favore”. In Italy, un caffè is an espresso.
“Vorrei” means “I'd like”: a set phrase; no need to take it apart now. “Prendo” (“I'll have”) sounds simpler and more everyday among friends.
To call the waiter: “Scusi” or “Senta” to an adult stranger, with Lei; “Scusa” only to someone you call tu. The waiter asks “Che cosa prende?” (with Lei) or “Che cosa prendi?” (with tu); answer with a set phrase, no need to repeat the verb.
“Ecco” (“here you are”) is said when serving: “Ecco il caffè”. To ask how much: “Quant'è?”
Common mistakes:
• NOT “Vorrei uno caffè” → “Vorrei un caffè” (uno only before s + consonant and z).
• NOT “Per me è un tè” → “Per me un tè” (no è here).
• NOT “Prendo di un panino” → “Prendo un panino” (no preposition).
• NOT “Senta, scusa!” → “Senta, scusi!” (one conversation, one form: Lei).