How Coffee Is Called Around the World: Language Guide

Ever wondered how people actually say 'coffee' where you’re traveling—or just curious why the word sounds so different across borders? Whether you're sipping espresso in Italy or enjoying filtered coffee in Malaysia, the word for coffee changes with every language. But what are those actual local words, and what do they sound like? Here's the complete list you've been looking for.

In total, we’ve gathered the local names for coffee in more than 30 countries and regions—from China (kafei) to Ethiopia (buna)—including pronunciations used in daily speech. These aren’t direct translations but the actual words native speakers use for the same drink you know as coffee.

The Word for Coffee, Around the Globe

Different languages have developed their own versions of the word 'coffee,' often influenced by trade routes, colonial history, and local pronunciation. The word typically stems from the Arabic 'qahwa,' which referred to a type of wine, and later the drink made from the coffee plant. Over centuries, as coffee spread from Ethiopia and the Arabian Peninsula to Europe, Asia, and beyond, the term evolved in sound and spelling.

How Different Countries Say 'Coffee'

• 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
• Liechtenstein: 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

Beyond what they call it, the way coffee is enjoyed varies just as much by country. Each region has its own traditional additives or preparation preferences:

• Italy: Espresso is often taken with sugar.
• Germany & Switzerland: Coffee may be served with heated chocolate.
• Mexico: Coffee is commonly flavored with cinnamon.
• Belgium: Chocolate is a popular addition.
• Morocco: Pepper is sometimes added to coffee.
• Ethiopia: A pinch of salt is traditional.
• Middle Eastern countries: Cardamom and other spices are common.
• Austria: Cream is a preferred addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common word for coffee around the world?

The most widespread root is 'kaffa' or 'kahwa,' appearing in forms like Kaffee (Germany), Kaffe (Denmark), Kava (Czechoslovakia), and Kahve (Turkey). Many of these derive from the original Arabic 'qahwa.' Words like 'kopi' (Indonesia/Malaysia) and 'kope' (Hawaii) show regional divergence but still echo the same origin.

Why do some countries say 'kopi' instead of a word similar to 'coffee'?

'Kopi' is used in Indonesia and Malaysia and comes from the Hokkien Chinese word 'kopi,' brought over by Chinese traders. It’s an example of how local languages adopted and adapted the term independently of European linguistic routes, showing coffee's widespread trade roots.

What does 'buna' mean in Ethiopia?

'Buna' is the Ethiopian word for coffee and refers specifically to the coffee grown and prepared in the birthplace of Arabica. It is deeply tied to traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, where the coffee is roasted, ground, and brewed in a ritualized process, often accompanied by popcorn or bread.

Do any countries use a word for coffee that isn’t related to ‘qahwa’?

Yes. For example, the Japanese word 'koohii' and the Hawaiian 'kope' come through different linguistic paths. 'Koohii' entered Japanese via Dutch traders ('koffie'), while 'kope' in Hawaii is believed to come from the English 'coffee' through local phonetic adaptation, showing coffee’s global transmission through various trade networks.

Is there a connection between the words for coffee and the way it's prepared?

Not directly, but the preparation style and additives often reflect cultural preferences rather than the word itself. For example, while both Morocco and Ethiopia use spices in their coffee, Morocco favors pepper and Ethiopia uses cardamom and salt—each unique to local taste traditions, regardless of the shared Semitic root of the word in those regions.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Global Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, floral cup reminiscent of the birthplace of coffee—where the word 'buna' is used. For a classic Southeast Asian experience, their Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling offers full body and earthy notes, akin to what you’d enjoy with a simple 'kopi.' Also consider the Kenya AA, known for its vibrant acidity and berry notes, perfect for exploring coffee diversity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.