How Coffee Is Called Around the World: Language Guide

Ever ordered coffee abroad and realized you don’t know the local word for it? Whether you’re traveling, learning languages, or just curious how ‘coffee’ evolved across cultures, the way people say it tells a story. From Japan to Ethiopia, the word changes—but the drink stays the same.

In short, coffee is called everything from Kaffe (Denmark) and Koffie (Netherlands) to Qahwa (Iraq and Arab countries), Kopi (Indonesia/Malaysia), and Buna (Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica). Over 30 countries and regions are covered—with exact pronunciations and local spellings.

Why Does the Word for Coffee Vary So Much?

The word ‘coffee’ has traveled across continents and languages, often adapted to local phonetics and linguistic roots. Most terms trace back to the Arabic ‘qahwa,’ which referred to a wine-like drink—and later, the coffee beverage. As coffee spread from Ethiopia through the Arabian Peninsula to Europe, Asia, and beyond, the word morphed in spelling and sound.

How Different Countries Actually Say ‘Coffee’

Here’s how people say ‘coffee’ in their own languages around the world, listed by country or region. Every entry is spelled phonetically as it is locally pronounced or written, and includes the official or common local language.

• China (Mandarin): Kafei
• Czechoslovakia: Kava
• Denmark: Kaffe
• Egypt: Masbout
• Israel: Kave
• Finland: Kahvi
• France: Cafe
• Germany: Kaffee
• Greece: Kafes
• Hawaii: Kope
• Hungary: Kave
• Indonesia / Malaysia: Kopi
• Iran: Gehve
• Iraq: Qahwa
• Japan: Koohii
• Laos: Kafe
• Lebanon: Qahwa
• Netherlands: Koffie
• Lithuania (assumed from “”): Kaffee
• Philippines: Kape
• Poland: Kawa
• Italy: Coffea
• Kenya: Kalawa
• Spain: Kafe
• Arab Countries: Qahwa / Kahwa
• Thailand: Gafae
• Turkey: Kahve
• Ethiopia (birthplace of Arabica coffee): Buna

How People Take Their Coffee Around the World

Just like the word for coffee differs, so do local traditions for drinking it. Many countries add unique flavors or ingredients to their daily brew:

• Italy: Add sugar to espresso
• Germany & Switzerland: Heat chocolate into coffee
• Mexico: Add cinnamon
• Belgium: Mix in chocolate
• Morocco: Add a pinch of pepper
• Ethiopia: Add a bit of salt
• Middle Eastern countries: Love spices like cardamom
• Austria: Prefer cream in their coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common word for coffee internationally?

The word 'Kaffee' (Germany, Austria, and parts of Europe) and 'Kafe' (various adaptations like in China, Japan, and Hawaii) appear frequently, but 'Qahwa' and 'Kopi' are also very common across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There is no single most common word—it depends on the region.

Why do some countries say 'Kopi' for coffee?

'Kopi' is used in Indonesia and Malaysia, and comes from the local pronunciation adopted during the spread of coffee trade in Southeast Asia. It’s now deeply embedded in the local coffee culture, especially in traditional 'kopi' shops.

Does Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, call it something unique?

Yes—Ethiopia, where Arabica coffee originated, uses the word 'Buna' to refer to coffee. This is specific to the Ethiopian context and reflects its deep cultural and historical ties to the beverage.

How did the word 'coffee' spread globally?

The word evolved from the Arabic 'qahwa,' passed through Ottoman Turkish as 'kahve,' then into Italian ('caffe'), Dutch ('koffie'), and eventually into English as 'coffee.' Each language adapted the term based on pronunciation rules and local linguistic patterns.

Are there any coffee terms that come from European languages?

Yes—terms like 'Cafe' (France), 'Kaffee' (Germany), and 'Coffea' (Italy) come directly from European linguistic roots, many via the original Arabic 'qahwa.' These then influenced other languages around the world.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Coffee Names

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, a nod to Ethiopia—the birthplace of coffee where locals say 'Buna.' For Indonesian flair, their Indonesia Sumatra Gayo offers earthy spice, echoing the 'Kopi' tradition. Finally, try Kenya Little Tomato for vibrant berry tones, reflecting the rich coffee cultures behind words like 'Kafe' and 'Kopi.' Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.