Italian Phrase
A volte esco con gli amici a prendere un caffè.
Meaning
The sentence means 'Sometimes I go out with friends to have a coffee.' It combines a frequency adverb, a verb of movement, and an infinitive of purpose, showing a casual, everyday activity.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing occasional social outings, especially in informal conversation about coffee breaks, weekend plans, or casual meet‑ups with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Avolteescocongliamiciaprendereuncaffè
A volte
Adverbial phrase meaning 'sometimes'. 'Volte' stays plural after 'a' to indicate occasional frequency.
esco
First‑person singular present of 'uscire' (to go out). Used for habitual or occasional actions.
con
Preposition meaning 'with', introducing the company you are with.
gli amici
Masculine plural noun 'amici' with the article 'gli', used before nouns that start with a vowel or s+consonant.
a + infinitive
The preposition 'a' before an infinitive expresses purpose, similar to English 'to'.
un caffè
Indefinite article 'un' with the masculine noun 'caffè' (coffee).
🗨In Conversation
A volte esco con gli amici a prendere un caffè.
Sometimes I go out with friends to have a coffee.
Che bello! Dove vi incontrate di solito?
How nice! Where do you usually meet?
✕Common Mistakes
A volta esco con gli amici a prendere un caffè.
After 'a' the noun stays plural: 'a volte', not 'a volta' (which means 'once').
A volte esco con gli amico a prendere un caffè.
The article must agree in number and gender: 'gli amici' (plural).
A volte esco con gli amici per prendere un caffè.
The purpose infinitive uses 'a' (a prendere), not 'per' in this construction.
↔Alternatives
A volte vado a prendere un caffè con gli amici.
Sometimes I go to have a coffee with friends.
Di tanto in tanto esco per un caffè con gli amici.
Every now and then I go out for a coffee with friends.
A volte mi ritrovo con gli amici per un caffè.
Sometimes I meet up with friends for a coffee.
Cultural Tip
Coffee is a cornerstone of Italian social life. Even a quick espresso at the bar is often a moment to chat with friends. Remember that ordering a 'caffè' usually means a short, strong espresso, not a large latte. In many Italian cities, it's common to stand at the bar rather than sit, especially for a quick catch‑up.