How 30 Countries Say 'Coffee' in Their Own Language

Ever wondered how people in other countries ask for a coffee? If you've ever ordered a cup while traveling—or just browsed foreign coffee shops online—you’ve likely noticed that 'coffee' isn't always called 'coffee.' From Europe to the Middle East to Asia, every language has its own way of saying it. And some of those words trace right back to the roots of coffee culture.

In short: Your ‘coffee’ is called anything from ‘Kaffe’ in Denmark to ‘Qahwa’ in Iraq, ‘Kopi’ in Indonesia, and even ‘Buna’ in Ethiopia—where coffee was first domesticated. Over 30 languages are covered here, each with its unique spelling, sound, and cultural tie to the drink.

How the Word 'Coffee' Spread Across Languages

The word 'coffee' as English speakers know it comes from the Arabic 'qahwa,' which referred to a wine-like brew. That term traveled through trade routes and was adapted by different cultures, resulting in today’s wide variety of pronunciations and spellings. Some versions, like 'Kahve' (Turkey) or 'Koffee' (Dutch), closely resemble the original Arabic, while others, like 'Kofi' in Ghanaian Pidgin or 'Kopi' in Malaysia, evolved independently yet still reflect deep local coffee traditions.

European Takes on the Word 'Coffee'

Most European languages derive their word for coffee from the Ottoman Turkish 'kahve,' which itself came from Arabic. Here’s how some major European nations say it:

• France: Cafe
• Germany & Switzerland: Kaffee
• Italy: Coffea
• Spain: Kafe
• Netherlands: Koffie
• Denmark: Kaffe
• Finland: Kahvi
• Sweden (not listed but similar): Kaffe
• Poland: Kawa
• Czech Republic (listed as 'Czechoslovakia' in source): Kava
• Hungary: Kave
• Greece: Kafes
• Norway (not listed but follows pattern): Kaffe

Middle Eastern, Asian & African Variations

In regions where coffee has ancient roots or cultural significance, the local terms often carry deeper historical weight:

• Ethiopia (birthplace of Arabica coffee): Buna – This is the native word used in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, far older than the Arabic 'qahwa.'
• Arab countries (general): Qahwa / Kahwa – The root word for much of the coffee terminology worldwide.
• Iraq: Qahwa
• Lebanon: Qahwa
• Egypt: Masbout
• Morocco: Qahwa (often prepared with spices or pepper)
• Israel: Kave
• Iran: Gehve
• Turkey: Kahve
• Saudi Arabia & Gulf states (included under Arab): Qahwa – commonly flavored with cardamom
• Thailand: Gafae
• Indonesia / Malaysia: Kopi – Also the base word for local drinks like 'Kopi Luwak' and 'Kopi O'.
• Laos: Kafe
• Japan: Koohii
• Philippines: Kape
• India (not listed but similar to Indonesia/Malaysia): Kopi is widely used in South Indian cafes

Flavoring Traditions Around the World

Just as the word for coffee differs, so do the local ways of drinking it. Many countries add unique spices or ingredients to their coffee:

• Ethiopia: A pinch of salt
• Middle East (e.g., Gulf countries): Cardamom and other spices (common in Qahwa)
• Morocco: Black pepper
• Turkey: Often spiced, sometimes with cardamom
• Italy: Sugar in espresso
• Germany & Switzerland: Heated chocolate (as in Viennese-style coffee drinks)
• Mexico: Cinnamon
• Belgium: Chocolate (common in coffee-chocolate blends)
• Austria: Whipped cream

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the original word for coffee in Arabic?

The original word is 'qahwa' (also spelled 'kahwa'), which referred to a brewed beverage and was later used to describe coffee. This term spread across the Middle East and eventually influenced how many other languages refer to coffee.

Why do some countries say 'kopi'?

'Kopi' is widely used in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s a local term for coffee and is commonly found in traditional drinks like 'Kopi O' (black coffee) or 'Kopi Luwak.' The word has roots in the local trading and colonial coffee culture, not directly from Arabic.

What does 'Buna' mean?

'Buna' is the Ethiopian word for coffee and is central to Ethiopia’s famous coffee ceremony, which is considered the birthplace of Arabica coffee cultivation. It reflects a deep cultural tradition distinct from the Arabic 'qahwa.'

Do all Europeans say 'coffee' similarly?

No. While many European languages like French ('cafe'), German ('kaffee'), and Spanish ('kafe') have versions similar to the Arabic 'qahwa,' others like Finnish ('kahvi') and Danish ('kaffe') diverge in spelling and pronunciation but still originate from the same linguistic path.

Is 'kahwa' only used in the Middle East?

'Kahwa' or 'qahwa' is most common in Arabic-speaking countries, but the term and its derivatives are used across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. It generally refers to coffee that may be spiced, especially with cardamom, and is part of the broader linguistic family of coffee words.

Why does Japan say 'koohii'?

The Japanese word 'koohii' is a transliteration of the English 'coffee,' reflecting how the drink was introduced to Japan during the Meiji era. It shows how some countries adopted the drink and its name through Western influence rather than through Arabic trade routes.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans Inspired by Global Traditions

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera, a bright and juicy Ethiopian single origin with notes of blueberry and floral tones, echoing the birthplace of coffee where locals call it 'Buna.' For a taste of Southeast Asia, try our Kenya Little Tomato, a vibrant Kenyan offering with tart red fruit and winey complexity—perfect alongside a 'kopi'-style cup. Finally, try our PWN Golden Mandheling, a classic Indonesian-origin coffee with low acidity and deep body, reminiscent of the 'kopi' culture in Malaysia and Sumatra. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.