In Italian, espresso refers primarily to a type of coffee, and the word itself can be translated as expressed, pressed out, or even fast. It comes from the verb esprimere, which means to express or to squeeze out. The term originally referred to the method by which the coffee is made, using pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful shot of coffee.
An espresso is known for its bold, intense flavor, and it is the foundation for many other popular coffee drinks, such as cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. In Italy, ordering un espresso typically means getting a small, strong coffee that is served in a small cup and consumed quickly, often while standing at a bar. The Italian coffee culture revolves around this fast-paced, efficient way of enjoying coffee, which aligns with the express connotation of the term.
Here are some examples to show how espresso is used in Italian:
Vorrei un espresso, per favore. – I would like an espresso, please.
L’espresso italiano è famoso in tutto il mondo. – Italian espresso is famous all over the world.
Interestingly, while espresso mainly refers to the coffee in modern usage, historically the term could also mean made quickly or prepared expressly for someone, which reinforces the idea of coffee that is brewed to order in a fast and efficient manner.