Numbers and Ordering Coffee
Italy runs on coffee. Learn the numbers and order like a local.
Numbers 0–20
| Number | Italiano | Number | Italiano |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | zero | 11 | undici |
| 1 | uno | 12 | dodici |
| 2 | due | 13 | tredici |
| 3 | tre | 14 | quattordici |
| 4 | quattro | 15 | quindici |
| 5 | cinque | 16 | sedici |
| 6 | sei | 17 | diciassette |
| 7 | sette | 18 | diciotto |
| 8 | otto | 19 | diciannove |
| 9 | nove | 20 | venti |
| 10 | dieci |
At the bar (coffee shop)
In Italy, a bar is where you get coffee — not alcohol (though they serve that too). Italians drink coffee standing at the counter (al banco), which is often cheaper than sitting at a table.
| Italiano | English |
|---|---|
| Un caffè, per favore. | A coffee (espresso), please. |
| Un cappuccino | A cappuccino |
| Un caffè macchiato | An espresso with a splash of milk |
| Un tè | A tea |
| Un'acqua minerale | A mineral water |
| Il conto, per favore. | The bill, please. |
Important: Italians never order cappuccino after 11 AM — it's considered a breakfast drink. After lunch, stick to caffè (espresso) or caffè macchiato.
Useful phrases
| Italiano | English |
|---|---|
| Vorrei… | I would like… |
| Quanto costa? | How much does it cost? |
| Posso pagare con la carta? | Can I pay by card? |
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below to mark this chapter as read.
What is the Italian word for 14?
"Diciotto" equals ___.
What is the standard coffee drink in Italy?
Italians never order cappuccino after ___.
How do you say "I would like" in Italian?
Complete: Quanto ___?