Coffee Shop English: Pronunciation Guide for Ordering Like a Local

Walking into an American coffee shop can feel intimidating when you are not sure how to pronounce the drinks on the menu. Many coffee terms come from Italian, French, or other languages, and their English pronunciation often does not match their original spelling. Even native speakers sometimes get these wrong.

This guide will teach you the correct American English pronunciation of every word you need to order confidently at a coffee shop, from espresso to croissant. You will learn the IPA transcription, common mistakes to avoid, and practical ordering phrases.

Coffee Drink Types

Most coffee shop menus feature Italian-origin drink names. The key to pronouncing them correctly in English is understanding that Americans have adapted these words with their own pronunciation patterns.

Espresso-Based Drinks

The word espresso /eˈspresoʊ/ is one of the most commonly mispronounced coffee terms. There is NO "x" in this word. It is "e-SPRES-oh," not "ex-PRESS-oh." This is such a common mistake that saying "expresso" will immediately mark you as unfamiliar with coffee culture. The word comes from Italian, meaning "pressed out," referring to the way water is forced through coffee grounds.

The word latte /ˈlɑːteɪ/ means espresso with steamed milk. It has two syllables: LAH-tay. The first syllable uses the open /ɑː/ vowel (like "father"), and the second syllable rhymes with "day." Many people shorten their order to just "a latte" without saying "caffe latte."

The word cappuccino /ˌkæpəˈtʃiːnoʊ/ is espresso with equal parts steamed and foamed milk. It has four syllables: kap-uh-CHEE-noh. The stress falls on the third syllable. The double "p" and double "c" in the spelling do not change the pronunciation; the "cc" before "i" makes a /tʃ/ sound (like "ch" in "cheese").

The word macchiato /ˌmɑːkiˈɑːtoʊ/ means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, referring to espresso "stained" with a small amount of milk. It has four syllables: mah-kee-AH-toh. Be careful not to pronounce the "cch" as a "ch" sound; it is a hard /k/ sound.

The word americano /əˌmerɪˈkɑːnoʊ/ is espresso diluted with hot water, creating a coffee similar in strength to drip coffee. It has five syllables: uh-meh-rih-KAH-noh. The stress falls on the fourth syllable.

The word mocha /ˈmoʊkə/ is a chocolate-flavored coffee drink. It has two syllables: MOH-kuh. The "ch" is pronounced as /k/, not as /tʃ/ (like "church"). This is a very important distinction because mocha /ˈmoʊkə/ and matcha /ˈmætʃə/ sound completely different but are frequently confused.

Other Coffee Types

The word decaf /ˈdiːkæf/ is short for "decaffeinated" and means coffee without caffeine. It has two syllables: DEE-kaf. The stress is on the first syllable with a long /iː/ vowel.

The phrase drip coffee /drɪp ˈkɔːfi/ refers to regular brewed coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter. This is the most basic and common type of coffee in American diners and homes. When Americans say "just a coffee," they usually mean drip coffee.

Tea and Other Drinks

Coffee shops also serve tea and specialty beverages. Several of these words have surprising pronunciations.

The word chai /tʃaɪ/ refers to a spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It has one syllable and rhymes with "sky." The "ch" is pronounced as /tʃ/ (like "cheese"), NOT as /ʃ/ (like "shoe"). Do not say "shy" when you mean "chai."

The word matcha /ˈmætʃə/ is a Japanese green tea powder. It has two syllables: MAT-chuh. The first syllable has the /æ/ vowel (like "cat"), and the "tch" makes the /tʃ/ sound. Remember: mocha /ˈmoʊkə/ is chocolate coffee, matcha /ˈmætʃə/ is green tea. They sound nothing alike.

The word chamomile /ˈkæməˌmaɪl/ is a popular herbal flower tea known for its calming properties. It has three syllables: KAM-uh-mile. The last syllable rhymes with "smile." Many people mispronounce this as "chamo-MEEL" or "chamo-MILE-ee," but it is simply KAM-uh-mile.

The word herbal /ˈɜːrbəl/ is used to describe caffeine-free teas made from herbs, flowers, or fruits. In American English, the "h" is silent, so it sounds like "UR-bul." This is different from British English, where the "h" is pronounced.

Ordering Vocabulary

Beyond the drink names, you need to know the words for the people, toppings, and food items you will encounter at a coffee shop.

The word barista /bəˈriːstə/ is the person who makes your coffee. It has three syllables: buh-REE-stuh. The stress is on the second syllable. This word comes from Italian and is used universally in American coffee culture.

The phrase whipped cream /wɪpt kriːm/ is the fluffy cream topping often added to mochas and specialty drinks. "Whipped" is one syllable: /wɪpt/. Make sure you pronounce the /w/ at the beginning (do not say "wipped" without the breathy /w/ sound).

The word syrup /ˈsɪrəp/ is the sweet flavored liquid added to coffee drinks (vanilla syrup, hazelnut syrup, caramel syrup). It has two syllables: SIR-up. Some Americans also say /ˈsɜːrəp/, but both are correct.

The word caramel has two accepted pronunciations: /ˈkærəməl/ (three syllables: KAR-uh-mul) and /ˈkɑːrməl/ (two syllables: KAR-mul). Both are correct and widely used in the United States. You will hear it in orders like "caramel macchiato" and "caramel drizzle."

The word pastry /ˈpeɪstri/ refers to baked sweet goods like muffins, danishes, and croissants. It has two syllables: PAY-stree.

The word scone /skoʊn/ is a baked pastry, denser than a muffin, often served with butter or jam. It has one syllable and rhymes with "bone" in American English. (In British English, it can also rhyme with "gone," but in American coffee shops, it is always /skoʊn/.)

The word croissant /kwɑːˈsɑːnt/ is a flaky, buttery French pastry. In American English, it has two syllables: kwah-SAHNT. Americans typically do not use the French nasal vowel at the end; they fully pronounce the final /t/. Some Americans also say /krəˈsɑːnt/.

Sizes and Customizations

American coffee shops let you customize nearly everything about your drink. Knowing the right vocabulary for sizes and modifications is essential.

Most coffee chains use small, medium, and large as their standard sizes (Starbucks uses tall, grande, and venti, but those are specific to that chain). When ordering at most independent coffee shops, simply say "small," "medium," or "large."

The word customize /ˈkʌstəˌmaɪz/ means to modify your drink to your preferences. It has three syllables: KUS-tuh-mize.

The phrase dairy-free /ˈdɛri friː/ describes products made without cow's milk. The word "dairy" has two syllables: DEH-ree.

The phrase oat milk /oʊt mɪlk/ is a popular dairy-free milk alternative made from oats. Both words are one syllable each.

The phrase almond milk /ˈɑːmənd mɪlk/ is another popular dairy alternative. The word "almond" has a silent "l" in American English: AH-mund, not "AL-mund."

The phrase skim milk /skɪm mɪlk/ refers to milk with the fat removed. "Skim" is one syllable.

The phrase extra shot /ˈɛkstrə ʃɑːt/ means an additional serving of espresso in your drink. "Extra" has two syllables: EK-struh. "Shot" is one syllable and refers to a single serving of espresso.

Common Ordering Phrases

Now that you know the individual words, let's put them together into practical sentences. Here are the most useful phrases for ordering at a coffee shop:

Starting Your Order

• "Hi, can I get a [size] [drink]?" (casual, most common)
• "I would like a [size] [drink], please." (polite, slightly formal)
• "Could I have a [drink] with [modification]?" (polite with customization)

Making Modifications

• "Can I get that with oat milk?"
• "I would like an extra shot of espresso."
• "No whipped cream, please."
• "Can you make that decaf?"
• "With caramel syrup, please."
• "Can I get that iced instead of hot?"

Adding Food

• "I will also take a croissant."
• "And a blueberry scone, please."
• "What pastries do you have today?"

Paying and Finishing

• "That is all, thank you."
• "Can I pay with a card?"
• "Is that for here or to go?" (the barista may ask you this)
• "To go, please." or "For here, please."

Quick Reference: Common Mistakes

Practice: Ordering at a Coffee Shop

Now it is time to practice complete orders. Read these out loud and focus on pronouncing every word correctly:

Order 1: Simple Coffee

"Hi, can I get a large drip coffee with room for cream?"

Order 2: Espresso Drink

"I would like a medium latte with oat milk and an extra shot, please."

Order 3: Specialty Drink with Food

"Could I have a caramel macchiato with almond milk, no whipped cream? And I will also take a croissant."

Order 4: Tea Order

"Can I get a chai latte? Make it with oat milk, please."

Order 5: Decaf with Modifications

"I would like a decaf cappuccino with skim milk. And do you have any scones?"

Key Takeaways

• It is espresso (e-SPRES-oh), never "expresso"
• Mocha (MOH-kuh) and matcha (MAT-chuh) are completely different sounds
• Chai rhymes with "sky," not "say" or "shy"
• The "l" in almond is silent (AH-mund)
• The "h" in herbal is silent in American English (UR-bul)
• Scone rhymes with "bone" in American English
• Use "Can I get a..." for casual ordering and "I would like a..." for polite ordering

Practice these words before your next coffee shop visit, and you will sound like a regular. The barista will not even notice you are still learning English!

Want to practice more food and drink vocabulary? Check out our pronunciation practice exercises for more interactive practice with everyday English words.