COFFEE VOCABULARY USED IN BRAZIL

Did you know that Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world? In this lesson, you’ll learn why

coffee is so important in Brazil and also the most common coffee vocabulary used in Brazil.

Historical Context

Coffee production in Brazil started in the middle of the 18th century and coffee became the main export

product in Brazil during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Coffee production contributed strongly to the growth and economic development of Brazil during this

period, and even today, coffee is still one of the main products produced in Brazil.

For this reason, coffee is always very present on the table of Brazilians, from north to south of the

country.

Coffee Vocabulary used in Brazil

1. Cafezinho (small coffee)

If you are going to have coffee at someone’s house, usually, people will offer you a “cafezinho” (small

coffee).

Usually, “cafezinho” is brewed coffee, but depending on the family or region, a “cafezinho” can be an

espresso or any other type of coffee.

2. Café curto / café expresso (short coffee or espresso)

Short coffee or espresso is a small, black coffee, usually strong, and served in a small cup.

3. Café com leite (coffee with milk)

Coffee with milk is usually prepared half and half, half coffee and half milk, and is served in a
mediumsized cup.

4. Média (espresso with milk, latte)

“Média”, or “media” with milk, is a coffee with milk made with espresso, milk and milk foam, also served

in a medium-sized cup. This nomenclature is mostly used in bakeries in São Paulo.

5. Pingado (Milk with a bit of coffee)

Pingado is a very common drink in Brazilian bakeries, bars and taverns. Pingado is usually served in a
small glass cup, which we call the American cup in Brazil. It’s made with a lot of milk and a little bit of

coffee.

6. Café carioca / café americano

Carioca coffee or American coffee is an espresso made with more water, to make it a little more diluted

and less strong.

7. Expresso duplo (double espresso)

Double espresso is what the name says, two servings of espresso in one cup.