Cette page dans ta langue
English العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português हिन्दी فارسی 中文
A2 noun Neutre #1,800 le plus courant 2 min de lecture

コーヒー

koohii /koːhi/
Entraîne-toi Notes et astuces

Overview

The Japanese word for coffee is 'コーヒー' (kōhī). It's a loanword, directly adopted from the English word 'coffee'. This is very common in Japanese, where many words for foreign concepts, foods, or technologies are borrowed and adapted to the Japanese phonetic system, often written in katakana, one of the three Japanese scripts.

Katakana is primarily used for foreign words, scientific names, and onomatopoeia, making 'コーヒー' an immediate indicator to a Japanese speaker that it's a non-native word. The pronunciation 'kōhī' reflects the English pronunciation fairly closely, with the long 'o' sound (represented by 'o' followed by 'ー' in katakana) and the 'hī' sound. The 'ー' symbol indicates a prolonged vowel sound, so 'コー' is pronounced as a long 'ko' sound, and 'ヒー' as a long 'hee' sound.

Coffee was introduced to Japan relatively late, becoming popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Before its widespread adoption, traditional Japanese beverages like green tea held a central place in daily life. However, with increasing Western influence and globalization, coffee has become incredibly popular, with a thriving coffee culture in Japan. From small, independent cafes to large chains, and from pour-over to canned coffee readily available in vending machines, coffee is deeply integrated into Japanese society.

When you order coffee in Japan, you'll often hear variations like 'ホットコーヒー' (hotto kōhī - hot coffee) or 'アイスコーヒー' (aisu kōhī - iced coffee). There are also specific terms for different types, such as 'エスプレッソ' (esupuresso - espresso) and 'カプチーノ' (kapuchīno - cappuccino), all of which are loanwords written in katakana. Understanding 'コーヒー' is fundamental for anyone interested in Japanese culture and language, especially given the global nature of coffee consumption.

Exemples

1

毎日コーヒーを飲みます。

daily routine

I drink coffee every day.

2

このコーヒーはとても熱いです。

describing temperature

This coffee is very hot.

3

コーヒーブレイクを取りましょう。

suggesting a break

Let's take a coffee break.

4

ブラックコーヒーをお願いします。

ordering coffee

Black coffee, please.

5

コーヒーを淹れるのが好きです。

hobby/preference

I like brewing coffee.

Collocations courantes

コーヒーカップ
コーヒー豆
コーヒーメーカー
インスタントコーヒー

Phrases Courantes

Souvent confondu avec

コーヒー vs 紅茶
Hot beverages, but one is tea and one is coffee
コーヒー vs ココア
Hot beverages, but one is cocoa and one is coffee

Modèles grammaticaux

コーヒーをください (kōhī o kudasai) - Please give me coffee. コーヒーを飲みます (kōhī o nomimasu) - I drink coffee. これはコーヒーです (kore wa kōhī desu) - This is coffee.

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

When using 'コーヒー' (kōhī) in Japanese, it's generally pronounced with a slight emphasis on the 'hi' sound, similar to how one might say 'coffee' in English but with Japanese phonetics. It is almost always written in Katakana, which is the script used for loanwords. You'll commonly hear it in phrases like 'コーヒーをください' (kōhī o kudasai - 'Please give me coffee' or 'Coffee, please') when ordering at a café, or 'ホットコーヒー' (hotto kōhī - 'hot coffee') and 'アイスコーヒー' (aisu kōhī - 'iced coffee') to specify temperature. The word 'コーヒー' can also be used as a general term for coffee beans ('コーヒー豆' - kōhī mame) or a coffee break ('コーヒーブレイク' - kōhī bureiku). It's a very straightforward and widely understood term. When referring to the act of drinking coffee, you might say 'コーヒーを飲む' (kōhī o nomu). The versatility of the word reflects its deep integration into everyday Japanese life, making it an essential term for anyone engaging with Japanese culture or language.

Erreurs courantes

None that are commonly reported for this specific word, as it's a direct transliteration and widely understood.

Astuces

💡

Usage in Japan

In Japan, 'コーヒー' (kōhī) is a widely recognized loanword for 'coffee.' You'll hear it in cafes, restaurants, and homes across the country. It's often used on its own or as part of compound words like 'コーヒーショップ' (kōhī shoppu - coffee shop) or 'アイスコーヒー' (aisu kōhī - iced coffee).
💡

Pronunciation Tip

While 'コーヒー' is derived from the English word 'coffee,' its pronunciation is distinctly Japanese. The 'ko' sound is like the 'co' in 'cold,' and the 'hi' is pronounced like the 'hee' in 'heels.' The long 'ー' indicates a stretched vowel sound, so it's 'kō-hī' rather than 'cof-fee.' Pay attention to the length of the vowels for a more natural pronunciation.
💡

Cultural Context

Coffee culture is very popular in Japan, with numerous cafes ranging from traditional kissaten (喫茶店) to modern, stylish coffee shops. It's common to enjoy coffee black (ブラック - burakku), with milk and sugar, or in various specialty forms. Understanding 'コーヒー' is essential for navigating daily life and social interactions in Japan, especially if you plan to visit cafes.

Origine du mot

From Dutch koffie, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic قهوة (qahwa). First attested in Japanese in the early 18th century. The current katakana spelling was established in the late 19th century.

Contexte culturel

Coffee (コーヒー - kōhī) holds a significant place in Japanese culture, evolving from an exotic foreign drink to a beloved everyday staple. Its introduction dates back to the late 19th century, gaining popularity alongside Westernization. Coffee shops, known as kissaten (喫茶店), became prominent as social hubs, offering a space for relaxation, conversation, and work. These establishments often have a distinct ambiance, focusing on quality, meticulous preparation, and a tranquil atmosphere. Beyond kissaten, vending machines dispensing hot and cold canned coffee are ubiquitous, reflecting the fast-paced urban lifestyle and convenience-driven culture. The art of coffee preparation, whether in a traditional kissaten or a modern café, emphasizes precision and presentation, mirroring broader Japanese aesthetic values. The popularity of specialty coffee has also surged, with numerous roasters and baristas dedicated to exploring different beans and brewing methods, further integrating coffee into the sophisticated culinary landscape of Japan. It's not just a drink; it's an experience intertwined with daily rituals and social interactions.

Astuce mémo

Sounds like 'coffee' with a long 'o' sound. Imagine pouring hot 'coffee' into a 'koo' cup.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
The Japanese word for 'coffee' is 'コーヒー'. It is written in Katakana, which is one of the Japanese syllabaries typically used for foreign words and names. So, when you see 'コーヒー' on a menu or in a store in Japan, you know it refers to coffee.
The pronunciation of 'コーヒー' is 'ko-hee'. The 'コ' (ko) is pronounced like the 'co' in 'code', the 'ー' indicates a long vowel sound, so 'ヒ' (hi) is extended. It's very similar to the English pronunciation of 'coffee', making it easy for English speakers to pick up.
The Japanese word 'コーヒー' is a direct transliteration of the English word 'coffee'. This is very common in Japanese, where many words for foreign concepts or items are adopted and written in Katakana. The influence of Western culture, particularly in beverages like coffee, led to the adoption of this term.
Yes, 'コーヒー' is the standard and most commonly understood term for coffee in Japan. You can use it whether you're ordering a cup of coffee, talking about coffee beans, or discussing coffee culture. It's a versatile word that will be understood in almost all contexts related to coffee.

Teste-toi

fill blank

毎朝、私は_______を飲みます。(I drink coffee every morning.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

休憩時間に_______を買いに行きました。(I went to buy coffee during the break.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

_______は世界中で人気のある飲み物です。(Coffee is a popular drink worldwide.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

Contenu associé

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !