Italian Phrase
Prendi il caffè la mattina?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you take the coffee the morning?’, this informal question asks whether the listener habitually drinks coffee in the morning. It uses the present simple to talk about a regular habit.
When to use
Use it in casual conversation with friends, family, or coworkers when you want to know about someone's morning coffee routine. It’s perfect for small‑talk before work or at a café.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendiilcaffèlamattina?
Prendi
Second‑person singular present of *prendere* (to take/drink). Used for informal 'you'.
il / la
Definite articles: *il* for masculine singular nouns (*caffè*), *la* for feminine singular nouns (*mattina*).
caffè
Masculine singular noun meaning ‘coffee’; note the accent on the final *è*.
mattina
Feminine singular noun meaning ‘morning’. In questions the article *la* is kept.
Question mark
Italian questions can be formed simply by intonation; the written ? marks the sentence as a question.
🗨In Conversation
Prendi il caffè la mattina?
Do you have coffee in the morning?
Sì, ne prendo sempre una tazza prima di andare al lavoro.
Yes, I always have a cup before going to work.
✕Common Mistakes
Prendi il caffè al mattina?
The preposition *al* (a + il) is masculine; *mattina* is feminine, so you must use *la mattina*.
Prendete il caffè la mattina?
Use *prendi* for a single informal ‘you’. *Prendete* is the plural form.
Prendi il caffe la mattina?
The word needs the accent on the final *è* to indicate the correct pronunciation.
↔Alternatives
Bevi il caffè al mattino?
Do you drink coffee in the morning?
Ti piace il caffè al mattino?
Do you like coffee in the morning?
Ti prendi un caffè al mattino?
Do you have a coffee in the morning?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, ‘caffè’ usually means a short espresso, often enjoyed quickly at the bar while standing. It’s common to pair it with a pastry like a cornetto. Asking about coffee in the morning can lead to a friendly invitation to share a quick espresso break.