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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeUn tè caldo, per favore.
A1

Un tè caldo, per favore.

A hot tea, please.

Pronunciation

TÈ — one syllable, accent on the 'e' to distinguish it from 'te' (you). Rhymes with 'day'.

When to use it

When you want tea rather than coffee. Italian bars always have tea, though it is a minor item compared to espresso.

What it means

'Tè caldo' specifies hot tea — because 'tè freddo' (iced tea) is also common. Italian bars usually offer basic tea bags (Lipton is standard). For better tea, seek out specialist shops or English-style cafés.

Variations

Un tè al limone.

A lemon tea.

The classic Italian tea order — lemon rather than milk is the default

Un tè alla menta.

A mint tea.

Herbal option — often served as 'tisana alla menta' in more specialist bars

Una tisana alla camomilla.

A chamomile tea.

'Tisana' = herbal infusion — chamomile ('camomilla') is the most popular Italian herbal drink

Mini Dialogue

— Un tè caldo, per favore. — Al limone o al latte? — Al limone, grazie. — Ecco la teiera. Lo lasci in infusione 3 minuti.

— A hot tea, please. — With lemon or milk? — With lemon, please. — Here is the teapot. Leave it to steep for 3 minutes.

Cultural Note

Tea is not part of Italian coffee culture but is widely available. Italians drink tea mainly when ill — 'una camomilla' (chamomile) is the Italian remedy for everything from stomach ache to insomnia. Offering someone a camomilla is also a gentle way of saying they need to calm down.