Daily English Day 5:Ordering Coffee at a Café

2025年9月3日 Daily English

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Day 5: Ordering Coffee at a Café

Day 5: Ordering Coffee at a Café

Coffee culture is a part of daily life around the world. Many travelers and students find themselves in a café, whether in the morning before work or during the afternoon to relax. Knowing how to order coffee politely in English helps you feel more confident and comfortable. In this lesson, we will learn useful vocabulary, sample dialogues, and cultural tips to help you succeed when ordering your favorite drink.

Why Learn Coffee Shop English?

Ordering coffee might sound simple, but it includes several skills:

Greeting the staff politely.
Asking for what you want clearly.
Understanding follow-up questions from the barista.
Paying for your order.
Saying thank you and leaving politely.

Practicing these steps builds confidence not only in cafés but also in restaurants and other everyday situations.

Useful Vocabulary

Here are some common words and phrases you will hear in a coffee shop:

Barista – the person who makes and serves coffee.
To go / Takeout – when you want to carry your drink with you.
For here / Dine-in – when you want to sit in the café.
Small, Medium, Large – cup sizes. Some cafés use Tall, Grande, Venti (like Starbucks).
Espresso – strong coffee shot.
Americano – espresso with hot water.
Latte – espresso with steamed milk.
Cappuccino – espresso with milk and foam.
Mocha – coffee with chocolate and milk.
Iced coffee – cold coffee served with ice.
Extra shot – more caffeine.
Decaf – without caffeine.
Syrup / Flavor shot – like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

Key Phrases for Ordering Coffee

Greeting

“Good morning!”
“Hi, how are you?”

Placing an order

“Can I get a medium latte, please?”
“I’d like a cappuccino to go.”
“May I have an iced Americano, please?”

Answering questions from the barista

“For here or to go?” → “To go, please.”
“What size would you like?” → “Large, please.”
“Do you want it hot or iced?” → “Iced, please.”

Special requests

“Could I get an extra shot of espresso?”
“Can you make it with soy milk, please?”
“No sugar, please.”

Paying

“How much is it?”
“Can I pay by card?”
“Here’s five dollars.”

Closing politely

“Thank you very much.”
“Have a nice day!”

Sample Dialogue 1: Basic Order

Customer: Good morning!
Barista: Good morning! What can I get for you today?
Customer: Can I have a small cappuccino, please?
Barista: For here or to go?
Customer: For here, please.
Barista: Sure. That will be three dollars.
Customer: Here you go. Thank you.
Barista: Thank you. Your drink will be ready soon.

Sample Dialogue 2: More Details

Customer: Hi, I’d like an iced latte with vanilla syrup.
Barista: What size would you like?
Customer: Large, please.
Barista: Would you like it with regular milk or soy milk?
Customer: Soy milk, please.
Barista: Great. That will be $4.50.
Customer: Can I pay by card?
Barista: Yes, of course. Please tap your card here.
Customer: Thank you.
Barista: Thanks. Have a nice day!
Customer: You too!

Cultural Tips

Politeness matters: Always say “please” and “thank you.” It shows respect.
Smile and make eye contact: This makes the interaction friendlier.
Be ready to answer questions: Baristas often ask about size, type of milk, or “for here or to go.”
Queue etiquette: Wait patiently in line. Don’t cut in front of others.
Know your order: If the café is busy, it helps to decide before it’s your turn.

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the missing words.

“Can I ____ a medium latte, please?”
“For ____ or to go?”
“That will be ____ dollars.”
“Can I pay by ____?”
“Thank you. Have a nice ____.”

Practice Exercise 2: Create Your Own Order

Imagine you are at a café. Write a short script of your order. Example:

Greeting: “Hi!”
Drink: “I’d like a large iced Americano with no sugar, please.”
Answer question: “To go, please.”
Payment: “Can I pay in cash?”
Closing: “Thanks a lot.”

Now, try making your own version with different drinks and requests.

Role Play Activity

Practice with a partner. One person is the customer, the other is the barista. Switch roles.

The barista should ask: “What can I get for you today?”
The customer should order a drink, answer questions, and pay.
After the role play, discuss what went well and what was difficult.

Expanding Your Skills

Once you are comfortable with coffee orders, you can practice more complex café situations:

Ordering food with your coffee:
“Can I also get a chocolate muffin, please?”
Asking about menu items:
“What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?”
Customizing drinks:
“Can you make it half sweet?”

These skills prepare you for real-life situations beyond just coffee.

Listening Practice

When you go to a café, listen carefully to how native speakers order. Notice these things:

Do they use “Can I get” or “I’d like”?
Do they speak quickly or slowly?
How do they respond to questions like “For here or to go?”

Write down phrases you hear and try to use them next time.

Summary

Ordering coffee in English is an essential everyday skill. With practice, you can order confidently by:

Greeting politely.
Asking for your drink clearly.
Answering size and preference questions.
Paying correctly.
Saying thank you and leaving politely.

This small but important skill will make your daily life smoother and more enjoyable. Next time you go to a café, try practicing the phrases from this lesson!

What should I say first when I reach the counter?

Start with a friendly greeting and a clear request. A simple structure works well: greeting + size + drink + key options + “please.” For example: “Good morning! Can I get a medium latte with oat milk, please?” If you are still deciding, you can say, “Hi! One moment, please,” and step aside until you’re ready.

Which phrase sounds most natural: “Can I get…”, “I’d like…”, or “May I have…”?

All three are polite and common. “Can I get…?” is very conversational and widely used in cafés. “I’d like…” sounds slightly more formal but still natural. “May I have…?” is the most formal and very polite. Choose the one that feels comfortable; baristas won’t think one is better than another as long as you add “please.”

How do I answer “For here or to go?”

Say, “For here, please,” if you’ll drink it in the café, or “To go, please,” if you will take it with you. Other alternatives include “Dine-in, please” and “Takeout, please.” If you’re unsure, ask, “What’s the difference in price for here vs. to go?” In some places, dine-in cups may cost slightly more or require a deposit.

What if I don’t know the size names at a brand like Starbucks?

If you’re unsure, you can ask, “What sizes do you have?” or clarify with ounces: “Which size is around 12 ounces?” You can also point at the display cups and say, “That size, please.” Most baristas will happily translate “small/medium/large” into their brand’s terms (e.g., Tall/Grande/Venti) and confirm before making your drink.

How can I customize milk and sweetness?

State your milk preference and sweetness clearly: “with whole milk,” “with skim milk,” or “with oat/soy/almond milk.” For sweetness, say “no sugar,” “less sweet,” or specify syrup amounts: “one pump vanilla,” “half pump caramel,” or “sugar-free vanilla.” If you want less ice, say “light ice”; for more ice, say “extra ice.” Combine requests in one sentence to keep it smooth.

What’s the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and flat white?

A latte has espresso with more steamed milk and a little foam, creating a smooth, milky drink. A cappuccino balances equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, with a stronger coffee taste and airy texture. A flat white is similar to a small, strong latte with velvety microfoam and a higher coffee-to-milk ratio. Ask, “Which one is stronger?” if you’re deciding.

How do I order a stronger or weaker coffee?

To make it stronger, ask for “an extra shot of espresso” (also “double shot” or “add a shot”). To reduce caffeine, say “half-caf” (half caffeinated) or “decaf.” To make the flavor lighter, choose a larger size with the same number of shots or ask for “more milk.” You can also request “less water” in an Americano for a bolder taste.

How do I order hot vs. iced, and are there temperature options?

Say “hot” or “iced” after the drink name: “Iced Americano,” “Hot mocha.” For temperature, many cafés can make drinks “extra hot” (hotter steamed milk) or “kid’s temperature” (cooler), especially for hot chocolate. If you want your iced drink less diluted, ask for “light ice” or “no ice,” but note it may taste stronger and some cafés may adjust the fill level.

How can I order non-coffee drinks politely?

Use the same pattern: size + drink + options. Examples: “Can I get a large hot chocolate with whipped cream, please?” “I’d like a medium matcha latte with oat milk.” “May I have a small English breakfast tea, no sugar?” If you want caffeine-free choices, ask, “Do you have herbal tea or decaf options?” The barista can recommend popular items.

How do I add flavors or syrups without making it too sweet?

Ask for a specific amount: “one pump vanilla,” “half pump caramel,” or “sugar-free hazelnut.” You can also say, “lightly sweetened,” and the barista will reduce the standard syrup amount. If you’re unsure, ask, “How many pumps do you usually add to a medium?” Then adjust: “Could we do one less, please?” This keeps the flavor balanced.

What should I say if I have an allergy or dietary restriction?

State it early and clearly: “I have a dairy allergy; can you make that with oat milk and no whipped cream?” or “I have a nut allergy; are your syrups nut-free?” If you’re celiac or gluten-sensitive, ask about cross-contact. Most cafés take allergies seriously, but giving clear information helps them prepare your drink safely.

How do I pay—cash, card, or phone—and what phrases are useful?

You can ask, “Can I pay by card?” or “Do you take contactless?” If yes, the barista may say, “Please tap here,” or “Insert your card, please.” If using cash, say, “Here you go,” and wait for change. If you need a receipt, add, “May I have a receipt, please?” or “Email receipt, please,” where available.

Do I need to tip at a café?

Tipping customs vary by country. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s common to leave a small tip (e.g., 10–15% or a dollar or two for counter service). In many other countries, tipping is optional or included. If unsure, ask quietly, “Is tipping customary here?” or follow local customers. A sincere “Thank you!” is always appreciated.

What if I don’t understand the barista?

Politely ask for repetition or clarification: “Sorry, could you say that again?” “Could you speak a little slower, please?” If you caught only part of the question, reflect it back: “Size, right? Medium, please.” Most baristas are used to fast-paced environments and will happily clarify if you ask kindly and make eye contact.

How do I give my name for the cup without confusion?

Say your name slowly and spell it if needed: “It’s Rio—R-I-O.” If they mishear, smile and correct gently: “Actually, it’s Rio with an R.” If you prefer privacy, you can say, “I’d rather not give my name. Is a ticket number okay?” Many cafés can call the drink by order type instead of a name.

How do I order food with my drink efficiently?

Add food right after your drink: “A medium cappuccino and a chocolate croissant, please.” If you need details, ask: “Is the sandwich heated?” “Do you have vegetarian options?” For combos, say, “Is there a set with coffee and a pastry?” Confirm warming: “Could you warm the muffin, please?” This keeps the line moving while ensuring you get what you want.

What should I say if there’s a mistake with my order?

Be polite and specific: “Excuse me, I ordered an iced latte, but this is hot. Could you change it, please?” Most cafés will fix errors quickly if you speak up kindly. If the mistake was yours, you can still ask for help: “I’m sorry, I meant oat milk. Is it possible to remake it? I’ll pay the difference.”

Where do I wait and how do I know my drink is ready?

After paying, move to the pickup area to keep the counter clear. Listen for your name or drink description (“Iced medium latte for Rio!”). If you think you missed your call, ask: “Hi, just checking on an iced latte for Rio.” Before leaving, check the lid, temperature, milk, and sweetness are correct; quick checks prevent surprises outside.

How can I sound more natural when ordering?

Use short, clear chunks and confirming phrases: “Hi! Medium latte with oat milk, please. To go.” “Could I do one pump vanilla—light ice? Thanks.” Add friendly closers: “Appreciate it,” “Thanks so much,” or “Have a good one!” Listening to locals helps you pick up rhythm. Practice aloud at home so the words feel automatic at the counter.

Can you give a few complete sample orders for different needs?

Simple hot coffee: “Good morning! Can I get a small Americano, for here, please?”
Custom iced latte: “Hi! I’d like a large iced latte with oat milk, one pump sugar-free vanilla, and light ice, to go, please.”
Stronger drink: “May I have a medium cappuccino with an extra shot, no sugar, for here?”
Non-coffee option: “Hello! A small hot chocolate, kid’s temperature, and a warmed banana bread, please.”
Allergy-safe order: “Hi! I have a dairy allergy. Could you make a medium flat white with soy milk and no whipped cream, to go? Thank you.”

What phrases help when the café is very busy?

Be brief and ready: “Hi! Large iced Americano, no sugar, to go.” If they ask follow-ups, answer quickly: “Card,” “No receipt, thanks,” “Name’s Rio.” If you need time, step aside: “I’ll decide; please go ahead with the next person.” A calm tone and a smile keep things smooth even during rush hour.

How do I ask about recommendations without holding up the line?

If the café is quiet, you can ask, “What’s your most popular drink?” or “What do you recommend that’s not too sweet?” In a rush, try, “Could I get your best-selling iced coffee?” or read the board first and pick one of the highlighted specials. You can always say, “I’ll try the house special, medium, please.”

Any final checklist I can memorize before ordering?

Think: Size → Drink → Temperature → Milk → Sweetness → Extras → For here/to go → Payment. Example: “Medium (size) latte (drink), iced (temperature), oat milk (milk), one pump vanilla (sweetness), extra shot (extras), to go, card payment. Thanks!” Rehearsing this structure once or twice makes your order clear, polite, and fast.

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