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March 24, 2026
咖啡kāfēi(ka1fei1)
咖啡 (kāfēi) refers to coffee, a popular beverage made from roasted coffee beans. It is commonly consumed in various settings, from casual gatherings to formal meetings, and is often enjoyed in both hot and cold forms.
Frequency#746DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, coffee culture has been on the rise, particularly in urban areas, where coffee shops are popular social spaces. This reflects a shift in lifestyle and the growing influence of Western habits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cozy café where you sip a warm cup of coffee. The character 咖 has a 'k' sound, like 'ka', and the component '啡' somewhat resembles a steaming cup with aroma wafting upwards. Together, they create the image of enjoying coffee in a café.
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AI Study Notes for 咖啡
Quick Contrast
茶 (chá, tea) — use 咖啡 when referring specifically to coffee, while 茶 is for tea.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cozy café where you sip a warm cup of coffee. The character 咖 has a 'k' sound, like 'ka', and the component '啡' somewhat resembles a steaming cup with aroma wafting upwards. Together, they create the image of enjoying coffee in a café.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 咖啡, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion. It's commonly used in informal contexts, but can also be used in more formal discussions about beverages. A common phrase is 喝咖啡 (hē kāfēi), meaning 'to drink coffee'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 咖啡 connects with other food and drink vocabulary. Focus on pronunciation and usage in sentences, such as ordering coffee or discussing preferences, which will help reinforce your understanding of the word.
Cultural Note
In China, coffee culture has been on the rise, particularly in urban areas, where coffee shops are popular social spaces. This reflects a shift in lifestyle and the growing influence of Western habits.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 咖啡 with another beverage like 茶. For example, saying '我喝咖啡' (Wǒ hē kāfēi) is correct for 'I drink coffee', but saying '我喝茶' (Wǒ hē chá) is incorrect when you mean coffee. Always use the correct beverage term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咖啡
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Grammar Patterns of 咖啡
咖啡 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The crowd in Robinson's Coffee-House was thinning, but only by degrees.
Cultural Notes for 咖啡
🏮Cultural insight
In China, coffee culture has been on the rise, particularly in urban areas, where coffee shops are popular social spaces. This reflects a shift in lifestyle and the growing influence of Western habits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 咖啡
You can say '我要一杯咖啡' (Wǒ yào yī bēi kāfēi), which means 'I want a cup of coffee'.
咖啡 refers specifically to coffee, while 茶 (chá) means tea; both are popular beverages but have different cultural significance and preparation methods.
Yes, 咖啡 can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing beverages in a business setting.
