Italian Phrase
Un caffè senza latte, per favore.
Meaning
The speaker is asking for a coffee that does not contain any milk, adding a polite 'please' at the end. In Italy, 'caffè' usually refers to a single shot of espresso, so the request is for a black espresso.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are at a bar, café, or restaurant in Italy (or any Italian‑speaking setting) and want a plain espresso without milk. It works equally well in casual and slightly formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Uncaffèsenzalatteperfavore
Indefinite article (Un)
Use 'un' before masculine singular nouns that begin with a consonant or vowel.
Noun gender (caffè)
'Caffè' is a masculine singular noun, so it takes the article 'un'.
Preposition senza
'Senza' means 'without' and is followed directly by a noun without an article.
Polite request (per favore)
'Per favore' is a standard way to say 'please' in a courteous request.
🗨In Conversation
Un caffè senza latte, per favore.
A coffee without milk, please.
Certo, subito. Vuole anche dello zucchero?
Sure, right away. Would you like any sugar?
✕Common Mistakes
Un caffè con latte, per favore.
This means 'a coffee with milk' – the opposite of what you intend.
Un caffè senza latte, per piacere.
While understandable, 'per piacere' sounds overly formal in everyday café settings; native speakers prefer 'per favore'.
Un caffè senza il latte, per favore.
The preposition 'senza' does not take an article; say 'senza latte' not 'senza il latte'.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei un caffè nero, per favore.
I would like a black coffee, please.
Un espresso, senza latte, per favore.
An espresso, no milk, please.
Mi dia un caffè semplice, per favore.
Give me a plain coffee, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, ordering a 'caffè' typically means you’ll receive a single shot of espresso. If you want it with milk you’d say 'caffè latte' or 'cappuccino'. Saying 'senza latte' makes clear you want the coffee black. Italians often drink espresso standing at the bar, but you can also sit and enjoy it with a glass of water on the side. Adding 'per favore' is polite, but you’ll also hear the shorter 'per piacere' in some regions.