Italian Phrase
Vuoi un altro caffè?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you want another coffee?’, this phrase is a friendly way to offer a second cup of coffee, usually espresso, to someone you are speaking with.
When to use
Use it in informal settings – at a café with friends, at home, or when you’re hosting guests. It’s perfect when you want to show hospitality without sounding too formal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vuoiunaltrocaffè
Vuoi (volere)
‘Vuoi’ is the second‑person singular present of the verb *volere* (to want). It is used for informal ‘you’ (tu).
Un altro
‘Un’ is the indefinite article for masculine singular nouns; ‘altro’ means ‘another’ and agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
Caffè (masculine noun)
‘Caffè’ is a masculine noun ending in an accented vowel; it stays singular even when you talk about a cup of espresso.
Question intonation
In spoken Italian the rising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a yes/no question.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi un altro caffè?
Do you want another coffee?
Sì, grazie, ne prendo un altro.
Yes, thanks, I’ll have another one.
✕Common Mistakes
Vuoi un altra caffè?
‘Caffè’ is masculine, so the adjective must be ‘altro’, not ‘altra’.
Vuole un altro caffè?
‘Vuole’ is third‑person singular; use ‘vuoi’ when speaking to ‘tu’.
Vuoi un altri caffè?
‘Altro’ must agree in number; singular coffee needs singular ‘altro’.
↔Alternatives
Ti va un altro caffè?
Would you like another coffee?
Desideri un altro caffè?
Do you desire another coffee? (more formal)
Vuoi un altro?
Do you want another? (when coffee is already understood)
Cultural Tip
In Italy, coffee (usually a short espresso) is a social ritual. Offering ‘un altro caffè’ is a sign of generosity and good manners. Remember that ‘caffè’ is masculine, so you say *un altro caffè*, not *un altra caffè*. Also, Italians often drink coffee standing at the bar, so the phrase is common both in cafés and at home.