Expert: Maria - 11/7/2009

Question
Dear Maria,

My question concerns the use of the word “caffè” with articles.  

I was once told that I should use the indefinite article and say “un caffè” when talking about “a cup of coffee” and that I should use the definite article and say “il caffè” when talking about the “coffee grounds” that one uses to make a cup of coffee.  

I was wondering if you could please tell me whether or not you agree with this.

I was also wondering when, and if, I should ever use the partitive article and say “del caffè”.

Thank you very much.  As always, I am very appreciative of your help.

Sincerely,

Rich


Answer
Dear Rich,

Generally speaking, it is correct to use the indefinite article and say “un caffè” when talking about “a cup of coffee” and to use the definite article and say “il caffè” when talking about the “ground coffee” that one uses to make a cup of coffee.  

For example:

-“Vuoi un caffè?” (Do you like a cup of coffee?)
-“Ho bevuto un caffè”;
-“Prendo solo un caffè”.
-“Desidero un caffè espresso”/ “Desidero un caffè macchiato” /” Desidero  un caffè corretto”/
-“Un caffè ristretto, per favore”.
Etc.

-“Devo comprare il caffè” (I have to buy ground coffee)
-“Il caffè si vende in quel negozio”
-“Il caffè è originario dell'Etiopia”


Anyway I have to tell you that the definite article “il” is used not only when talking about the “ground coffee ” that one uses to make a cup of coffee, but also when talking about coffee as a drink.
For example:

-“Il caffè mi piace” (I like coffee)
-“Il caffè mi piace più del tè” (I like coffee rather than tea).

As for the partitive “del”, we use it when generally asking someone if he wants  some coffee as in the following examples:

-“Vuoi del caffè ?”(Do you want some coffee?)
-“Gradisci del caffè o del tè?”( Do you like some coffee or tea?)

All the best,
Maria