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A2 noun #1,800 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

コーヒー

koohii Top 1,800

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces コーヒー en 30 secondes

Explication コーヒー in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word コーヒー is introduced as a basic, everyday noun. It is one of the first loanwords (katakana words) learners encounter because of its universal recognition and frequent use in daily life. At this stage, learners focus on recognizing the word, pronouncing the long vowels correctly (kōhī), and using it in simple, foundational sentence structures. The primary goal is to be able to state preferences, make simple requests, and describe daily routines. For example, learners practice saying 'I like coffee' (コーヒーが好きです) or 'I drink coffee' (コーヒーを飲みます). They also learn how to order it in a basic way, such as 'Coffee, please' (コーヒーをお願いします). Vocabulary at this level is paired with simple verbs like 飲む (to drink) and 買う (to buy). The distinction between hot and iced coffee (ホットコーヒー, アイスコーヒー) is also introduced as essential survival vocabulary for navigating Japanese cafes and convenience stores. Understanding this word at the A1 level provides a gateway to interacting in social situations, such as accepting a drink when visiting someone's home or ordering at a restaurant. It builds confidence in reading and writing katakana, as the word uses the elongation mark (ー), which is a crucial phonetic concept in Japanese. Mastery of コーヒー at A1 ensures the learner can handle basic hospitality and consumer interactions in Japan.

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At the A2 level, learners expand their use of コーヒー beyond simple statements to more descriptive and interactive communication. They begin to use adjectives to describe the coffee, such as 'delicious' (美味しい), 'hot' (熱い), 'cold' (冷たい), or 'bitter' (苦い). The grammar becomes slightly more complex, incorporating expressions of frequency and time, such as 'I drink coffee every morning' (毎朝コーヒーを飲みます) or 'I drank coffee yesterday' (昨日コーヒーを飲みました). Learners also start using counters specifically for cups, learning to say 一杯 (one cup) or 二杯 (two cups) of coffee. At this stage, conversational skills improve, allowing learners to ask questions like 'Do you drink coffee?' (コーヒーを飲みますか) or 'Would you like some coffee?' (コーヒーはいかがですか). The vocabulary expands to include related items like sugar (砂糖) and milk (ミルク), and verbs like 'to put in' (入れる). They learn to navigate more detailed ordering scenarios, specifying sizes or whether it is for here or to go. The cultural context of the 'coffee break' (コーヒーブレイク) is introduced, helping learners understand workplace or study habits in Japan. By mastering these A2 concepts, learners can engage in more natural, flowing conversations about their daily habits and preferences regarding coffee, making social interactions much smoother.

At the B1 level, the discussion around コーヒー becomes more nuanced and detailed. Learners are expected to articulate specific preferences regarding taste, brewing methods, and the atmosphere of coffee shops. Vocabulary expands to include terms like 'strong' (濃い), 'weak' (薄い), 'sourness/acidity' (酸味), and 'richness' (コク). They learn the specific verb for brewing coffee, 淹れる (ireru), distinguishing it from the generic 'to make' (作る). At this level, learners can express reasons and conditions, such as 'If I don't drink coffee, I get sleepy' (コーヒーを飲まないと、眠くなります) or 'I go to the cafe because the coffee is good' (コーヒーが美味しいので、カフェに行きます). They can also discuss the differences between various types of establishments, such as a modern カフェ versus a traditional 喫茶店 (kissaten). The ability to describe the process of making coffee, like 'pouring hot water over ground beans' (挽いた豆にお湯を注ぐ), becomes possible. Furthermore, learners at B1 can engage in casual debates or comparisons, such as preferring coffee over tea, and explaining why. They can read and understand short articles or blog posts about coffee trends in Japan, such as the popularity of convenience store coffee or specialty roasters. This level marks the transition from basic survival communication to expressive, personalized conversation.

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At the B2 level, learners can discuss コーヒー in a broader cultural, economic, and social context. The vocabulary becomes sophisticated, encompassing terms related to the coffee industry, such as 'roasted beans' (焙煎豆), 'fair trade' (フェアトレード), 'origin' (産地), and 'decaffeinated' (カフェインレス). Learners can express complex opinions and hypotheses about coffee consumption trends. For instance, they might discuss how the rise of cheap, high-quality convenience store coffee has impacted traditional coffee shops. They can read and comprehend detailed articles, reviews, and news reports about coffee. Grammatically, they can use advanced structures to express nuances, such as 'No matter how much coffee I drink, I can't wake up' (いくらコーヒーを飲んでも、目が覚めない) or 'This coffee is said to be the best in the world' (このコーヒーは世界一だと言われている). At this stage, learners can comfortably navigate highly specific ordering situations, customizing their drinks with various milks, syrups, and temperature adjustments using natural, polite Japanese (Keigo) when appropriate. They can also understand the subtle cultural implications of offering coffee in a business setting versus a casual setting. The word コーヒー is no longer just a beverage; it is a topic through which learners can demonstrate their fluency, cultural awareness, and ability to construct logical, detailed arguments in Japanese.

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At the C1 level, the discourse surrounding コーヒー reaches near-native fluency, focusing on abstract concepts, historical context, and highly specialized terminology. Learners can delve into the history of coffee in Japan, discussing its introduction during the Edo period by Dutch traders and its evolution into a staple of modern Japanese society. They can read literary texts, essays, and academic papers where coffee might be used as a motif or symbol. Vocabulary includes highly technical terms used by baristas and connoisseurs, such as 'extraction rate' (抽出率), 'cupping' (カッピング), 'single origin' (シングルオリジン), and 'flavor profile' (フレーバープロファイル). Learners can articulate the subtle sensory experiences of drinking coffee using poetic or highly descriptive language. They can easily understand and use idiomatic expressions or metaphors related to coffee. Furthermore, they can participate in professional or academic discussions about the global coffee trade, sustainability issues, and climate change's impact on coffee production. Their command of Japanese allows them to seamlessly switch registers, discussing coffee casually with friends using slang, or formally in a business presentation using advanced Keigo. At C1, the learner's relationship with the word コーヒー reflects a deep, comprehensive understanding of both the language and the culture.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of the word コーヒー and its associated contexts is absolute and indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. Learners at this level can effortlessly navigate the most complex, abstract, and culturally deeply rooted discussions about coffee. They can analyze classic Japanese literature where coffee shops (kissaten) serve as the backdrop for philosophical debates or pivotal plot points, understanding the subtle emotional resonance the beverage carries in different eras of Japanese history. They are capable of writing professional critiques, essays, or even poetry centered around the theme of coffee. The vocabulary is limitless, encompassing archaic terms, highly technical industry jargon, and regional dialects related to coffee consumption. They can debate the socioeconomic impacts of global coffee conglomerates versus independent roasters with academic rigor. At C2, learners understand the kanji 珈琲 not just as an alternative spelling, but as a stylistic choice that evokes specific aesthetic and historical nuances (retro, Taisho-era romanticism, artisanal craftsmanship). They can play with the language, creating puns or sophisticated humor involving coffee. The word is fully integrated into their linguistic repertoire, allowing them to express the most nuanced thoughts, emotions, and intellectual arguments flawlessly in Japanese.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

コーヒー en 30 secondes

Written in katakana as コーヒー, it is a loanword from the Dutch 'koffie'.
Pronunciation requires elongating both vowels: kō-hī. Shortening them is incorrect.
Commonly paired with verbs like 飲む (to drink) and 淹れる (to brew).
A massive part of Japanese culture, found in kissaten, konbini, and vending machines.

The Japanese word for coffee is コーヒー (kōhī). It is a loanword (gairaigo) derived from the Dutch word 'koffie', as coffee was first introduced to Japan by Dutch traders in the 17th century during the Edo period. Understanding this word is fundamental for anyone visiting Japan, as coffee culture is deeply ingrained in daily life, from traditional kissaten (coffee shops) to modern cafes and ubiquitous vending machines. The term is exclusively written in katakana in modern, everyday usage, although the kanji 珈琲 is also used, particularly in retro or traditional settings to evoke a sense of nostalgia and artisanal quality. When you learn the word コーヒー, you are not just learning a beverage name; you are unlocking a massive part of Japanese social and culinary culture. Coffee in Japan is consumed hot (ホット) or iced (アイス) year-round, and the vocabulary surrounding it is vast. Whether you are ordering a quick cup at a convenience store (konbini) or sitting down for a meticulously pour-over brew, knowing how to use コーヒー correctly is essential. Let us explore the nuances of this word, its pronunciation, and its cultural significance. The pronunciation requires careful attention to the long vowels: both the 'ko' and the 'hi' are elongated. Failing to elongate these vowels can lead to confusion, as short vowels might sound like entirely different words or simply be unintelligible to a native speaker. The pitch accent is also important; it typically starts low, goes high on the first long vowel, and drops on the second, though flat intonation is also common depending on the dialect. Beyond the basic definition, coffee serves as a social lubricant in Japan. Business meetings, casual dates, and solitary study sessions often revolve around a cup of coffee. Therefore, mastering the phrases associated with ordering, describing, and offering coffee will significantly enhance your conversational Japanese. Here are some detailed examples and structural breakdowns of how the word is used in context.

Etymology: Derived from the Dutch 'koffie', reflecting Japan's historical trade relations.

Orthography: Standardized in katakana as コーヒー, but stylized as 珈琲 in traditional contexts.

Pronunciation: Requires two long vowels: kō-hī. Shortening them is a common beginner mistake.

毎朝、熱いコーヒーを飲みます。

この店のコーヒーはとても美味しいです。

コーヒーに砂糖とミルクを入れますか。

アイスコーヒーを一つお願いします。

缶コーヒーを自動販売機で買いました。

Using the word コーヒー in daily Japanese conversation is straightforward, as it functions as a standard noun. However, the verbs and counters associated with it are where learners need to focus their attention. The most common verb used with coffee is 飲む (nomu - to drink). For example, コーヒーを飲む (kōhī o nomu) means 'to drink coffee'. When you want to express the act of brewing or making coffee, the specific verb 淹れる (ireru) is used. コーヒーを淹れる (kōhī o ireru) translates to 'to brew/make coffee'. This is an important distinction from making food (作る - tsukuru). If you spill coffee, you use the verb こぼす (kobosu). When ordering coffee at a cafe or restaurant, you typically use the counter for cups or glasses, which is 杯 (hai/bai/pai). One cup is 一杯 (ippai), two cups is 二杯 (nihai), and so on. A common phrase when offering someone a drink is コーヒーをもう一杯いかがですか (kōhī o mō ippai ikaga desu ka - would you like another cup of coffee?). Furthermore, Japanese distinguishes strongly between hot and iced coffee. You simply attach the katakana words ホット (hotto) or アイス (aisu) before the word: ホットコーヒー (hotto kōhī) and アイスコーヒー (aisu kōhī). It is extremely common to drop the word 'coffee' entirely when ordering and just say ホット (hotto) or アイス (aisu) if the context of coffee is already established. Another frequent combination is 缶コーヒー (kan kōhī), which refers to canned coffee, a massive industry in Japan. You will find these in millions of vending machines across the country, available both hot (indicated by a red label saying あったかい) and cold (indicated by a blue label saying つめたい). Understanding these collocations and related vocabulary will make your interactions in Japanese cafes and convenience stores smooth and natural. Let's look at more specific sentence structures and examples to solidify your understanding of how to use this essential vocabulary word in various contexts.

Verbs: 飲む (to drink), 淹れる (to brew), 頼む (to order), こぼす (to spill).

Counters: 一杯 (1 cup), 二杯 (2 cups), 三杯 (3 cups). Used for liquids in cups/glasses.

Adjectives: 濃い (strong/dark), 薄い (weak/light), 苦い (bitter), 酸味がある (sour/acidic).

お客さんにコーヒーを淹れました。

カフェでホットコーヒーを頼みました。

シャツにコーヒーをこぼしてしまった。

食後にコーヒーはいかがですか。

私は濃いコーヒーが好きです。

You will hear the word コーヒー absolutely everywhere in Japan. Japan is one of the largest consumers of coffee in the world, and its coffee culture is incredibly diverse. First and foremost, you will hear it in カフェ (cafes) and 喫茶店 (kissaten - traditional coffee shops). In a modern cafe like Starbucks or Doutor, you will hear staff calling out orders for various coffee drinks. In a traditional kissaten, the master (マスター) might ask you how you prefer your blend. Convenience stores (コンビニ) are another major location. 'Konbini coffee' has revolutionized the market in Japan, offering high-quality, freshly ground coffee for around 100 to 150 yen. You will often hear clerks asking if you want a cup for the coffee machine: コーヒーのカップはいかがですか (kōhī no kappu wa ikaga desu ka). Workplaces and offices are also prime locations for this vocabulary. Coworkers frequently invite each other for a coffee break (コーヒーブレイク) to relieve stress. Vending machines (自動販売機) don't speak, but the visual presence of 缶コーヒー (canned coffee) is ubiquitous, and you will hear people discussing which brand (Boss, Georgia, Wonda) they prefer. Furthermore, in Japanese homes, offering coffee to guests is a standard practice of hospitality. When visiting someone's house, you might be greeted with コーヒーでもいかがですか (How about some coffee?). On television, commercials for canned coffee and instant coffee are broadcast daily, featuring famous actors and catchy slogans. The word is so embedded in the daily rhythm of Japanese life that it transcends being just a drink; it represents a moment of pause, a social interaction, or a morning ritual. Whether you are in bustling Tokyo or a quiet rural town, the word コーヒー will be a constant companion in your Japanese language journey.

Cafes & Kissaten: The primary locations for ordering and discussing various roasts and brewing methods.

Convenience Stores: Famous for 'konbini coffee', a cheap, high-quality self-serve option.

Offices: Used frequently during breaks and meetings as a standard refreshment.

コンビニで100円のコーヒーを買う。

喫茶店でマスターこだわりのコーヒーを味わう。

会議の前にコーヒーブレイクにしましょう。

自動販売機で温かい缶コーヒーを選んだ。

友達の家で美味しいコーヒーをごちそうになった。

While コーヒー is a simple loanword, learners frequently make mistakes regarding its pronunciation, writing, and usage. The most critical mistake is pronunciation. English speakers often pronounce it like 'copy' or 'kofi' with short vowels. In Japanese, both the 'o' and the 'i' must be elongated: kō-hī. If you say 'kohi' quickly, it might be misunderstood, or it simply sounds unnatural. Another common writing mistake is omitting the chōonpu (ー), the long vowel mark in katakana. Writing コヒ or コーヒ is incorrect. It must be exactly コーヒー. Grammatically, a common mistake is using the verb 作る (tsukuru - to make) when talking about preparing coffee. While 'making coffee' is correct in English, in Japanese, you should use 淹れる (ireru - to brew/pour) for a more natural sound. Saying コーヒーを作る sounds like you are manufacturing the coffee beans in a factory. Additionally, when ordering, beginners might say コーヒーが欲しいです (I want coffee). While grammatically correct, it sounds slightly childish or overly direct in a restaurant setting. It is much better to say コーヒーをお願いします (Coffee, please) or コーヒーをください (Please give me coffee). Another subtle mistake involves the temperature. In English, we say 'hot coffee' or 'iced coffee'. In Japanese, you must use the katakana modifiers ホット (hotto) and アイス (aisu). Saying 冷たいコーヒー (tsumetai kōhī - cold coffee) is understood but usually refers to coffee that has gone cold, not a deliberately iced beverage. Always use アイスコーヒー for the refreshing summer drink. By paying attention to these long vowels, correct verbs, and appropriate ordering etiquette, you will sound much more like a native speaker.

Pronunciation Error: Failing to elongate the vowels (kohi instead of kōhī).

Verb Error: Using 作る (tsukuru) instead of 淹れる (ireru) for brewing.

Adjective Error: Saying 冷たいコーヒー instead of アイスコーヒー for iced coffee.

❌ コーヒーを作ります。 ➔ ⭕ コーヒーを淹れます。

❌ 冷たいコーヒーをください。 ➔ ⭕ アイスコーヒーをください。

❌ コヒが好きです。 ➔ ⭕ コーヒーが好きです。

❌ コーヒーが欲しいです。 ➔ ⭕ コーヒーをお願いします。

❌ コーヒーを飲むことします。 ➔ ⭕ コーヒーを飲みます。

When discussing コーヒー, it is helpful to know related vocabulary to expand your conversational range. A very similar concept is カフェ (kafe), which refers to the establishment where coffee is sold, though sometimes people use it to refer to coffee-based drinks like cafe au lait (カフェオレ). The traditional Japanese word for a coffee shop is 喫茶店 (kissaten). While a 'cafe' feels modern and might serve light meals and espresso drinks, a 'kissaten' feels retro, often serving drip coffee, thick toast, and spaghetti napolitan. Another related drink is エスプレッソ (esupuresso - espresso), which is the concentrated coffee base for many drinks. If you prefer tea, the word is 紅茶 (kōcha - black tea) or お茶 (ocha - green tea). It is important not to confuse these, as offering someone お茶 when they expect コーヒー can be a surprise. You might also encounter the word 珈琲 (kōhī), which is the exact same word but written in kanji. This kanji is ateji, meaning the characters were chosen for their phonetic value rather than their meaning, though they visually resemble a string of beads and a hairpin, which some say looks like coffee cherries on a branch. You will see 珈琲 on the signs of old-school kissaten or on premium coffee bean packaging. Knowing these distinctions helps you navigate menus and express your preferences accurately. Whether you want a modern latte or a traditional drip brew, having this vocabulary at your disposal is incredibly useful.

カフェ (Kafe): Refers to a modern coffee shop or cafe, often serving espresso-based drinks.

喫茶店 (Kissaten): A traditional Japanese coffee shop, known for a retro atmosphere and drip coffee.

紅茶 (Kōcha): Black tea. The primary alternative to coffee in cafes.

私はコーヒーより紅茶が好きです。

古い喫茶店で本格的なコーヒーを飲む。

カフェでエスプレッソとコーヒーを注文した。

看板に「自家焙煎珈琲」と書いてある。

朝はコーヒーかお茶を飲みます。

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + を + Verb (Object marker)

Adjective + Noun modification

Counters for cups (一杯, 二杯)

Verb te-form + もいいですか (Asking permission to drink)

A より B が好き (Comparisons)

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Exemples par niveau

コーヒーが好きです。

I like coffee.

Noun + が好きです (expresses preference).

コーヒーを飲みます。

I drink coffee.

Noun + を + Verb (indicates the object of an action).

これはコーヒーです。

This is coffee.

これ + は + Noun + です (basic identification).

コーヒーをお願いします。

Coffee, please.

Noun + をお願いします (polite request).

熱いコーヒーをください。

Please give me hot coffee.

Adjective + Noun + をください (requesting a specific item).

毎日コーヒーを飲みます。

I drink coffee every day.

Time word + Object + Verb (expressing routine).

コーヒーとパンを買います。

I buy coffee and bread.

Noun + と + Noun (connecting nouns).

アイスコーヒーはどこですか。

Where is the iced coffee?

Noun + はどこですか (asking for location).

毎朝、美味しいコーヒーを飲みます。

I drink delicious coffee every morning.

Adjective + Noun modifying the object.

コーヒーにミルクを入れますか。

Do you put milk in your coffee?

Target Noun + に + Object + を入れる (putting something into something).

昨日、喫茶店でコーヒーを飲みました。

I drank coffee at a coffee shop yesterday.

Place + で + Action (indicating where an action happens).

私はコーヒーよりお茶が好きです。

I like tea more than coffee.

A + より + B + が好き (comparing preferences).

コーヒーをもう一杯いかがですか。

Would you like another cup of coffee?

Counter (一杯) + いかがですか (polite offer).

このコーヒーは少し苦いです。

This coffee is a little bitter.

Adverb (少し) + Adjective (describing degree).

コーヒーを飲みながら本を読みます。

I read a book while drinking coffee.

Verb stem + ながら (simultaneous actions).

冷たいコーヒーが飲みたいです。

I want to drink cold coffee.

Verb stem + たいです (expressing desire).

自分でコーヒーを淹れるのが好きです。

I like brewing coffee myself.

Verb dictionary form + のが好き (liking an action).

眠いので、濃いコーヒーを飲みました。

I was sleepy, so I drank strong coffee.

Reason + ので + Consequence.

このカフェのコーヒーは香りがとても良い。

The aroma of the coffee at this cafe is very good.

Noun A + の + Noun B + は + Feature + が + Adjective.

コーヒー豆を挽く音が聞こえます。

I can hear the sound of coffee beans being ground.

Modifying clause + Noun (音が聞こえる).

食後にコーヒーか紅茶を選べます。

You can choose coffee or tea after the meal.

A + か + B (choice between two things).

コーヒーをこぼして、シャツが汚れました。

I spilled coffee and my shirt got dirty.

Verb te-form + Consequence (cause and effect).

最近、カフェインレスのコーヒーが人気です。

Recently, decaf coffee is popular.

Noun + が人気です (expressing popularity).

どんな種類のコーヒーがおすすめですか。

What kind of coffee do you recommend?

どんな + Noun (asking for specific types).

このコーヒーは酸味と苦味のバランスが絶妙だ。

This coffee has an exquisite balance of acidity and bitterness.

Noun + と + Noun + のバランス (describing balance).

フェアトレードのコーヒー豆を買うようにしています。

I make an effort to buy fair trade coffee beans.

Verb dictionary form + ようにしている (making a conscious effort).

コーヒーの飲み過ぎは胃に負担をかけます。

Drinking too much coffee puts a strain on the stomach.

Verb stem + 過ぎ (excessive action as a noun).

コンビニのコーヒーは、値段の割に質が高い。

Convenience store coffee is of high quality for its price.

Noun + の割に (contrary to expectations based on the noun).

彼はコーヒーに強いこだわりを持っている。

He is very particular about his coffee.

Noun + にこだわりを持っている (having a strong preference/particularity).

浅煎りのコーヒーはフルーティーな風味が特徴です。

Light roast coffee is characterized by its fruity flavor.

Noun + は + Feature + が特徴です (describing characteristics).

コーヒーが冷めないうちに飲んでください。

Please drink the coffee before it gets cold.

Negative Verb + うちに (before a state changes).

自家焙煎の珈琲店を探して街を歩いた。

I walked around the town looking for a home-roasting coffee shop.

Verb te-form + Action (doing something in preparation/search).

コーヒーの抽出温度によって、味わいが劇的に変化する。

The taste changes dramatically depending on the coffee extraction temperature.

Noun + によって (depending on).

彼はコーヒー業界のサステナビリティについて論文を執筆した。

He wrote a thesis on sustainability in the coffee industry.

Noun + について (concerning/about a complex topic).

その喫茶店は、昭和の面影を残すレトロな珈琲を提供している。

That coffee shop serves retro coffee that retains the vestiges of the Showa era.

Modifying clause + Noun (complex description).

シングルオリジンのコーヒーは、産地のテロワールをダイレクトに反映する。

Single-origin coffee directly reflects the terroir of its production area.

Advanced vocabulary integration (テロワール, 反映する).

コーヒーの香りが漂う空間で、至福のひとときを過ごした。

I spent a moment of bliss in a space where the aroma of coffee drifted.

Noun + が漂う空間 (describing atmosphere).

気候変動がコーヒー豆の収穫量に深刻な影響を及ぼしている。

Climate change is having a serious impact on the yield of coffee beans.

Noun + に影響を及ぼす (exerting an influence on).

バリスタの所作一つ一つが、一杯のコーヒーの完成度を高める。

Every single movement of the barista elevates the perfection of a cup of coffee.

Noun + が + Noun + を高める (abstract cause and effect).

朝のコーヒーは、私にとって単なる習慣以上の儀式である。

Morning coffee is, to me, a ritual rather than a mere habit.

Noun + にとって + Noun + 以上の + Noun (defining deep personal significance).

その小説は、一杯の冷めた珈琲を通して人間の孤独を浮き彫りにしている。

The novel highlights human loneliness through a single cup of cold coffee.

Noun + を通して + Noun + を浮き彫りにする (literary analysis).

サードウェーブコーヒーの台頭は、消費者の嗜好の細分化を如実に物語っている。

The rise of third-wave coffee vividly illustrates the fragmentation of consumer preferences.

Noun + は + Noun + を如実に物語る (expressing societal trends).

彼の淹れる珈琲には、長年の研鑽に裏打ちされた深い哲学が宿っている。

The coffee he brews harbors a deep philosophy backed by years of diligent study.

Modifying clause + に裏打ちされた + Noun (expressing profound depth).

コーヒー相場の乱高下は、発展途上国の経済基盤を揺るがしかねない。

Wild fluctuations in the coffee market could potentially shake the economic foundations of developing countries.

Verb stem + かねない (expressing a negative possibility).

琥珀色の液体が喉を通り抜ける刹那、芳醇な香りが鼻腔をくすぐった。

The moment the amber liquid passed through my throat, a mellow aroma tickled my nasal cavity.

Highly literary and sensory descriptive language.

大量消費社会におけるコーヒーの在り方を、根本から見直す時期にきている。

The time has come to fundamentally reconsider the state of coffee in a mass-consumption society.

Noun + の在り方 + を見直す (discussing systemic issues).

その老舗喫茶店は、時代の変遷に抗うかのように、昔ながらのネルドリップ珈琲を守り抜いている。

As if resisting the changes of the times, that long-established coffee shop steadfastly preserves its traditional flannel drip coffee.

Verb + かのように (as if doing something).

カフェインの覚醒作用を借りてまで、彼は深夜の執筆活動に没頭した。

He immersed himself in his late-night writing activities, even going so far as to rely on the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Verb te-form + まで (going to the extent of).

Collocations courantes

コーヒーを飲む

コーヒーを淹れる

コーヒーを頼む

コーヒーをこぼす

ホットコーヒー

アイスコーヒー

缶コーヒー

コーヒー豆

コーヒーカップ

コーヒーブレイク

Phrases Courantes

コーヒーをお願いします

コーヒーはいかがですか

コーヒーをもう一杯

コーヒーが入りました

コーヒーが冷める

コーヒーをブラックで

コーヒーに砂糖を入れる

コーヒーにミルクを入れる

コーヒーをテイクアウトする

コーヒーを挽く

Souvent confondu avec

コーヒー vs コピー (Copy - short 'o', 'p' instead of 'h')

コーヒー vs コート (Coat)

コーヒー vs コーラ (Cola)

Expressions idiomatiques

"コーヒーブレイクをとる"

"コーヒーを片手に"

"コーヒーのお供に"

"コーヒーが冷めないうちに"

"目覚めのコーヒー"

"食後のコーヒー"

"コーヒー党"

"コーヒーをすする"

"コーヒーの香りが漂う"

"至福のコーヒータイム"

Facile à confondre

コーヒー vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuances

While コーヒー is universal, using the kanji 珈琲 implies a more traditional, artisanal, or premium quality, often seen in older establishments.

warnings

Do not use 作る (tsukuru) for making coffee; use 淹れる (ireru). Using tsukuru sounds unnatural.

Erreurs courantes

Pronouncing it 'kohi' with short vowels instead of 'kōhī'.
Writing it without the elongation marks: コヒ.
Using the verb 作る (tsukuru) instead of 淹れる (ireru) to mean 'brew'.
Saying 冷たいコーヒー (tsumetai kōhī) instead of アイスコーヒー (aisu kōhī) when ordering.
Confusing it with コピー (kopī - copy) due to similar sounds.

Astuces

Elongate the Vowels

Always remember to stretch out the 'o' and 'i' sounds. Say 'kooo-hiii'. The long lines in the katakana (コーヒー) are your visual reminder to do this.

Use the Right Verb

Never use 作る (tsukuru) for making coffee. Always use 淹れる (ireru). This instantly makes your Japanese sound much more natural and fluent.

Hot or Iced

Japan takes its iced coffee seriously. Always specify ホット (hotto) or アイス (aisu) when ordering. Iced coffee is available year-round in most places.

Black vs Blend

If you want plain black coffee, you can order ブラック (burakku). A standard house coffee is often called a ブレンド (burendo - blend).

Vertical Writing

When writing コーヒー vertically, remember that the chōonpu (ー) changes to a vertical line (|). This is a crucial rule for all katakana words.

Konbini Etiquette

At a convenience store, for iced coffee, grab a cup full of ice from the freezer first. For hot coffee, ask the cashier for a 'hotto kappu' (hot cup).

Listen for the Counter

When a waiter asks how many you want, listen for the counter 杯 (hai). They might say 'Oikutsu desu ka?' or 'Nanbai desu ka?'.

Canned Coffee Colors

In vending machines, red labels under the button mean the coffee is hot (あったかい), and blue labels mean it is cold (つめたい).

Recognize the Kanji

Learn to recognize 珈琲. You don't need to write it, but seeing it on a sign means you've found a traditional or specialty coffee shop.

Offering Coffee

If you want to offer coffee to a guest, say 'コーヒーはいかがですか' (Would you like some coffee?). It is polite and standard hospitality.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a CO-worker saying 'HEE hee' while drinking a long cup of COFFEE. Coo-Hee -> Kōhī.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Dutch word 'koffie'.

Contexte culturel

Traditional Japanese coffee shops known for their distinct, retro atmosphere, often serving thick toast and siphon or drip coffee.

A massive industry in Japan. Vending machines dispense hot cans in winter and cold cans in summer.

High-quality, freshly ground coffee available at convenience stores for a very low price, usually self-served.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"よくコーヒーを飲みますか？ (Do you drink coffee often?)"

"おすすめのカフェはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended cafes?)"

"コーヒーはブラック派ですか？ (Are you a black coffee drinker?)"

"缶コーヒーで好きなブランドはありますか？ (Do you have a favorite canned coffee brand?)"

"朝はコーヒーですか、お茶ですか？ (Do you drink coffee or tea in the morning?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your favorite coffee shop in Japanese.

Write about your morning routine including coffee.

Compare coffee and tea. Which do you prefer and why?

Write a short story about spilling coffee on your shirt.

Describe the taste of your ideal cup of coffee.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Coffee is written in katakana because it is a loanword (gairaigo) borrowed from a foreign language. Specifically, it comes from the Dutch word 'koffie'. Katakana is the standard script used in Japanese for words of non-Chinese foreign origin. This makes it easy to identify as an imported concept.

Yes, you can write it as 珈琲. This is an example of ateji, where kanji are used for their phonetic sound rather than their meaning. However, 珈琲 is mostly used for stylistic purposes, such as on signs for traditional coffee shops (kissaten) or premium coffee packaging. In everyday writing, katakana is standard.

ホット (hotto) means hot, and アイス (aisu) means iced. In Japan, these words are directly attached to the word coffee to specify the temperature: ホットコーヒー and アイスコーヒー. It is very common to just say 'hotto' or 'aisu' when ordering if the context is clear.

The correct way to say 'I make coffee' is コーヒーを淹れる (kōhī o ireru). The verb 淹れる specifically means to brew or pour a beverage like coffee or tea. You should avoid using 作る (tsukuru), which means to make or manufacture objects or food.

A kissaten (喫茶店) is a traditional Japanese coffee shop. Unlike modern cafes, kissaten often have a retro, Showa-era atmosphere, dark wood interiors, and serve drip or siphon coffee. They also typically offer light meals like thick toast, sandwiches, and spaghetti napolitan.

Cups of coffee are counted using the counter 杯 (hai/bai/pai). One cup is 一杯 (ippai), two cups is 二杯 (nihai), three cups is 三杯 (sanbai), and so on. You use this counter when ordering or talking about how much you drank.

Konbini coffee refers to the freshly brewed coffee available at Japanese convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. It is very cheap (usually around 100-150 yen), surprisingly high quality, and you usually operate the machine yourself after buying a cup at the register.

Yes, canned coffee (缶コーヒー - kan kōhī) is extremely popular. It was invented in Japan and is sold in millions of vending machines nationwide. You can buy it hot or cold depending on the season, and there are many famous brands like BOSS, Georgia, and Wonda.

To order coffee politely, you can say コーヒーをお願いします (kōhī o onegaishimasu) which means 'Coffee, please'. You can also say コーヒーをください (kōhī o kudasai). Avoid saying コーヒーが欲しいです (I want coffee), as it sounds too direct or childish.

The most common pronunciation mistake is not elongating the vowels. It must be kō-hī, with both the 'o' and the 'i' held for two beats. If you say 'kohi' quickly, it sounds like a different word or is simply unintelligible to native speakers. Practice holding the sounds longer.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write 'coffee' in katakana.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Remember the two long vowel marks.