Coffee and tea hold special significance in Arabic-speaking cultures. From the traditional Arabic coffee (qahwah ‘arabiyyah) served in ornate cups to a simple cup of tea (shai) enjoyed with family, these beverages are symbols of hospitality and daily life. If you’re traveling to an Arabic-speaking country or dining at an Arabic café, knowing how to order coffee or tea in Arabic will enrich your experience.
This guide provides the essential vocabulary, phrases, and cultural tips to help you confidently order your favorite drink in Arabic.
1. Key Vocabulary for Coffee and Tea
Here’s the basic vocabulary you’ll need:
- Coffee: قهوة (qahwah)
- Tea: شاي (shai)
- Milk: حليب (haleeb)
- Sugar: سكر (sukkar)
- Without sugar: بدون سكر (bidoon sukkar)
- Black coffee: قهوة سوداء (qahwah sawdaa’)
- Green tea: شاي أخضر (shai akhdar)
- Mint tea: شاي بالنعناع (shai bil-na‘na‘)
- Espresso: إسبرسو (espresso)
- Cappuccino: كابتشينو (kapetcheeno)
2. Phrases to Order Coffee and Tea
Here are some practical phrases to use when ordering:
“I would like a cup of coffee, please.”
أريد فنجان قهوة، من فضلك.
(Ureed finjan qahwah, min fadlak.)“Can I have tea with milk?”
هل يمكنني الحصول على شاي مع الحليب؟
(Hal yumkinuni al-husool ‘ala shai ma‘ al-haleeb?)“No sugar, please.”
بدون سكر، من فضلك.
(Bidoon sukkar, min fadlak.)“How much is a cup of tea?”
كم سعر كوب الشاي؟
(Kam si‘r koob al-shai?)“I’d like mint tea, please.”
أريد شاي بالنعناع، من فضلك.
(Ureed shai bil-na‘na‘, min fadlak.)
3. Types of Coffee and Tea in Arabic Cultures
Arabic-speaking regions have diverse traditions for preparing and serving coffee and tea:
Arabic Coffee (Qahwah ‘Arabiyyah)
- Made with cardamom and served in small, handle-less cups.
- It’s often strong and unsweetened.
Turkish Coffee (Qahwah Turkiyyah)
- Finely ground coffee brewed with sugar.
- Often served with foam on top in a small cup.
Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay)
- Sweet green tea with fresh mint leaves.
- Poured from a height to create bubbles.
Chai Karak (Popular in Gulf countries)
- Strong tea with milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom.
Example Sentence:
- “I’d like a cup of Arabic coffee.”
أريد فنجان قهوة عربية.
(Ureed finjan qahwah ‘arabiyyah.)
4. Describing Your Preferences
To personalize your order, use these phrases:
- With sugar: مع السكر (ma‘ al-sukkar)
- A little sugar: قليل من السكر (qaleel min al-sukkar)
- No sugar: بدون سكر (bidoon sukkar)
- With milk: مع الحليب (ma‘ al-haleeb)
- Hot: ساخن (sakhen)
- Cold: بارد (barid)
Example Sentence:
- “I want a cold tea without sugar.”
أريد شاي بارد بدون سكر.
(Ureed shai barid bidoon sukkar.)
5. Cultural Tips
- Hospitality: If you’re invited to someone’s home, you’ll often be offered coffee or tea. Accepting the drink is a sign of respect.
- Serving style: In many Arabic cultures, coffee and tea are served in small cups and frequently refilled.
- Politeness: Always say “please” (min fadlak) and “thank you” (shukran) when ordering.
6. Practice Dialogue
Here’s a sample conversation to help you practice:
You: “I’d like a cup of tea with sugar, please.”
(أريد كوب شاي مع السكر، من فضلك.
Ureed koob shai ma‘ al-sukkar, min fadlak.)
Server: “Do you want it with milk?”
(هل تريد مع الحليب؟
Hal tureed ma‘ al-haleeb?)
You: “No, just tea with sugar, thank you.”
(لا، فقط شاي مع السكر، شكرًا.
La, faqat shai ma‘ al-sukkar, shukran.)
7. How to Practice
- Role-play: Practice ordering with a friend or teacher.
- Listen: Watch Arabic YouTube videos or shows that feature café scenes.
- Visit: If possible, visit an Arabic café and order in Arabic.
Conclusion
Learning how to order coffee and tea in Arabic is not just practical—it’s also a way to connect with the rich traditions and hospitality of Arabic-speaking cultures. With these words and phrases, you’ll be ready to confidently navigate any café or tea house.
Enjoy your drink!
صحتين وعافية!
(Sahteen wa ‘afiyah!)