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Does "shot of espresso" translate into Italian as "colpo di caffé espresso", or is there a different way of saying this, such as tazza?

Geremia
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  • There are so many words and tastes connected with coffee in Italy that perhaps a "colpo di (caffè) espresso" is a thing, somewhere. But I've never heard this..."espression": I would rather say a "tazza/tazzina di caffè" ("tazzina" being the smaller cup) or a "caffè ristretto" (short/concentrated) are more likely translations for "shot of coffee". Even "caffettino" might work, as an informal word suggesting a "small" coffee. – Zab Zonk Apr 12 '21 at 04:35
  • The idea of shot (a quick, single act of throwing a small quantity of a drink into your mouth) is typical is strong liquors rather than coffe. You taste an expresso, rather than drink it. – Hachi Apr 12 '21 at 07:27
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    As a native Italian speaker, I've never encountered the expression "colpo di caffé espresso" (please notice the Italian word is "caffé", with a double "f"). In general, we do not even specify "espresso" and simply say "un caffé" ("espresso" is implied, and we have to specify only if we do not want an espresso). For what concern the "shot", we use that term (in English) in reference to super alcoholic drinks but not for coffee. In conclusion, I'd translate "shot of espresso" with "caffé ristretto" – secan Apr 12 '21 at 07:32
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    @ZabZonk, while I agree "caffettino" is informal, I'd say it is used as term of endearment rather than as diminutive and it suggests the idea of "well deserved" and/or "enjoyable" rather than "small". – secan Apr 12 '21 at 07:47
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    “caffè” (with grave accent `, not café, nor caffé). – DaG Apr 12 '21 at 07:52
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    @secan. Apart for the accent, I agree with your comments. If you'll transform them into an answer, I'd upvote it! – DaG Apr 12 '21 at 07:54
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    Thanks @DaG; not for the upvote, but because I just learnt I've pronounced "caffè" in the wrong way for all my life. XD – secan Apr 12 '21 at 08:17
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    @secan Totally agree: "caffettino" sounds endearing rather than a diminutive. I proposed it as a last ditch attempt at finding an alternative for "shot", which suggests chugging a single sip of a given beverage: and "caffettino" implies a very quick activity. – Zab Zonk Apr 12 '21 at 11:15

1 Answers1

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As a native Italian speaker, I've never encountered the expression "colpo di caffè espresso" (please notice the Italian word is "caffè", with a double "f"). In general, we do not even specify "espresso" and simply say "un caffè" ("espresso" is implied, and we have to specify only if we do not want an espresso). For what concerns the "shot", we use that term (in English) in reference to super alcoholic drinks but not for coffee. In conclusion, I'd translate "shot of espresso" with "caffè ristretto"

While I agree the word "caffettino" (as suggested by @ZabZonk) is informal, I'd say it is used as term of endearment rather than as diminutive and it suggests the idea of "well deserved" and/or "enjoyable" rather than "small".

secan
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