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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeDue caffè, veloci veloci!
A2informal

Due caffè, veloci veloci!

Two coffees, quick quick!

Pronunciation

ve-LO-ci — three syllables, stress on the second. Repeating it 'veloci veloci' is an emphatic Italian idiom.

When to use it

In a busy morning bar when you and a companion are in a rush and need service quickly. The repeated adjective is a classic Italian colloquial intensifier.

What it means

Repeating an adjective ('veloci veloci', 'piano piano', 'subito subito') is a characteristic Italian linguistic pattern used for emphasis. It signals urgency without being rude. Only use this in casual, busy bars — it would be out of place in a formal setting.

Variations

Presto, siamo di corsa!

Quickly, we are in a rush!

'Di corsa' (running) means in a great hurry — very informal

Quando può, due caffè.

Whenever you can, two coffees.

The opposite — polite and patient — used when the bar is packed

Ci fa due caffè in fretta?

Can you make us two coffees quickly?

Polite question form — more considerate than a straight demand

Mini Dialogue

— Due caffè, veloci veloci — abbiamo il treno tra dieci minuti! — Tranquilli, il caffè è già pronto! Eccoli. — Grazie mille! Quanto vi devo? — Due euro e quaranta — buon viaggio!

— Two coffees, quick quick — we have a train in ten minutes! — Don't worry, the coffee is already ready! Here you go. — Thank you so much! How much do I owe you? — Two euros forty — have a good trip!

Cultural Note

Italian bars near train stations and offices are finely tuned to serve espresso in under a minute. The entire process — grinding, tamping, extracting, serving — takes about 25 seconds in the hands of an experienced barista. Speed is part of the Italian coffee culture.