Meaning
Coffee with intense flavor.
Cultural Background
In Lithuania, it is common to drink coffee 'plikyta' (steeped). You put ground coffee in a cup and pour boiling water over it. This often results in a very 'stipri kava' with grounds at the bottom. Vilnius has a 'Coffee Culture Day' where many cafes offer special brews. 'Stipri kava' is often the benchmark for a barista's skill in balancing intensity and acidity. During long meetings, providing 'stipri kava' is seen as a way to keep the team focused. It's almost expected in IT and creative sectors. When visiting a Lithuanian home, you will almost always be offered coffee. If you say you like it 'stipri', your host might take it as a sign that you are a serious, down-to-earth person.
Ordering Tip
If you want an espresso but want to sound more local, you can ask for 'maža stipri kava' (small strong coffee).
Case Alert
Don't forget that 'noriu' (I want) changes the ending to 'stiprios kavos'!
Meaning
Coffee with intense flavor.
Ordering Tip
If you want an espresso but want to sound more local, you can ask for 'maža stipri kava' (small strong coffee).
Case Alert
Don't forget that 'noriu' (I want) changes the ending to 'stiprios kavos'!
Adjective Order
Always put 'stipri' before 'kava' unless you are describing it as a full sentence ('Kava yra stipri').
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'stiprus' (strong).
Man patinka ______ kava.
The noun 'kava' is feminine nominative, so we use the feminine nominative form 'stipri'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for ordering coffee?
How do you say 'I want strong coffee'?
The verb 'noriu' requires the Genitive case: 'stiprios kavos'.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English meaning.
Phrases: 1. Silpna kava, 2. Stipri kava, 3. Karti kava, 4. Karšta kava
Silpna = Weak, Stipri = Strong, Karti = Bitter, Karšta = Hot.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar kava gera? B: Taip, bet ji labai ______.
B is describing the coffee (Nominative), so 'stipri' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Case Changes for 'Stipri kava'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMan patinka ______ kava.
The noun 'kava' is feminine nominative, so we use the feminine nominative form 'stipri'.
How do you say 'I want strong coffee'?
The verb 'noriu' requires the Genitive case: 'stiprios kavos'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Silpna = Weak, Stipri = Strong, Karti = Bitter, Karšta = Hot.
A: Ar kava gera? B: Taip, bet ji labai ______.
B is describing the coffee (Nominative), so 'stipri' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. Espresso is always 'stipri', but 'stipri kava' can also refer to a very strong drip coffee or French press.
You can say 'ne per stipri kava' or 'vidutinio stiprumo kava' (medium strength).
Because 'kava' is a feminine noun. Adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.
Yes! 'Stipri arbata' is perfectly correct for strong tea.
The opposite is 'silpna kava' (weak coffee).
No, it's not rude, but it's more polite to wait for them to ask how you like it.
Usually, but in common speech, it often just refers to the intensity of the flavor.
Use the adverb 'labai': 'labai stipri kava'.
No, that sounds like the coffee has superpowers. Stick to 'stipri'.
It is the Accusative case, used when the coffee is the direct object of a verb like 'geriu' (I drink).
Related Phrases
Silpna kava
contrastWeak coffee
Juoda kava
similarBlack coffee
Kavos pertraukėlė
builds onCoffee break
Dviguba kava
specialized formDouble coffee
