【Learn Chinese】10 Chinese Words for Coffee Lovers (Part 2)

Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. In part one of our article, you already learned the first few of 10 must-know Chinese words related to coffee. This is part two. Let’s keep brewing!

Espresso 浓缩咖啡
For strong coffee lovers, we have espresso, known as 浓缩咖啡 (nóng suō kā fēi) in Chinese. 浓缩 means “concentrated,” so 浓缩咖啡 literally translates to “concentrated coffee.”
This robust and intense coffee is the base for many other drinks, including Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos. In other words, a good coffee starts with a good espresso as its foundation.
Espresso is also the lowest-calorie type of coffee you can drink. A shot of espresso, approximately 30ml, normally contains around 5 calories.

Americano 美式咖啡
The origin of the Americano dates back to World War II when Italian baristas would approximate the taste of drip coffee for American soldiers by diluting espresso with hot water.
The Americano is called 美式咖啡 (měi shì kā fēi) in Chinese. 美式 means “American style,” so 美式咖啡 translates to “American style coffee.”
This drink creates a smooth and yet still rich coffee experience. If you prefer a milder coffee, the Americano is a great choice.

Latte 拿铁
The latte, a beloved coffee drink known for its creamy texture, is called 拿铁 (ná tiě) in Chinese. Like 咖啡 (kā fēi), 拿铁 is a loanword.
A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. This combination makes lattes a popular choice for those who enjoy the strong flavor of espresso balanced with the creaminess of the milk.

Cappuccino 卡布奇诺
Cappuccino, another favorite among coffee enthusiasts, is called 卡布奇诺 (kǎ bù qí nuò) in Chinese. Like many other coffee-related terms, 卡布奇诺 is a loanword.
A cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth. This combination creates a rich and frothy texture that coffee lovers enjoy. To enhance the flavor, cappuccinos are often topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even chocolate shavings.

Mocha 摩卡
Mocha, the delightful blend of coffee and chocolate, is called 摩卡 (mó kǎ) in Chinese. 摩卡 is a loanword, too.
A mocha is made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for added indulgence. The result is a rich, sweet, and comforting coffee experience that appeals to both coffee and chocolate lovers.

Flat White 平白咖啡
In Chinese, flat white is called 平白咖啡 (píng bái kā fēi). 平 translates to “flat.” 白 means “white,” referring to the milk.
A flat white is similar to a 拿铁 (latte) but with a few key differences. It is made with a shot or two of espresso and microfoam, which is steamed milk with very fine bubbles that create a velvety texture. Unlike a latte, a flat white has a higher coffee-to-milk ratio, giving it a stronger coffee flavor while maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

Iced Coffee 冰咖啡
Coffee isn’t just a warm comfort; it can also be enjoyed cold, especially on hot days. In Chinese, iced coffee is called 冰咖啡 (bīng kā fēi). 冰 means “ice” or “cold.”
Iced coffee can be made in various ways, but it typically involves brewing hot coffee and then chilling it, either by letting it cool naturally or by pouring it over ice. Some popular variations include adding milk, cream, or sweeteners to enhance the flavor.
Cold brew, a method where coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period (18 – 24 hours), is another way to enjoy iced coffee. It results in a smoother, less acidic beverage.
Whether you prefer it black, with milk, or as a cold brew, iced coffee is a refreshing and versatile way to enjoy your favorite drink in a chilled form.