How to Say "long black" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “long black” is “tinto” — use 'tinto' when referring to a plain black coffee, meaning coffee served without any milk, cream, or sugar. It's a general term for black coffee.
Use 'tinto' when referring to a plain black coffee, meaning coffee served without any milk, cream, or sugar. It's a general term for black coffee.
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Choose 'americano' specifically when you want to order an espresso diluted with hot water, a drink often referred to as an 'Americano' in English, which is similar to a long black but prepared differently.
Learn more →TEEN-tohˈtinto
Examples
Me gustaría un tinto, por favor.
I would like a black coffee, please.
Me gusta empezar el día con un tinto bien caliente.
I like to start the day with a very hot black coffee.
¿Quieres un tintico?
Would you like a little black coffee?
Dos tintos sin azúcar, por favor.
Two black coffees without sugar, please.
Context is Everything
Whether 'tinto' means wine or coffee depends entirely on the country you are in and the time of day.
Coffee in Spain
Mistake: “Asking for a 'tinto' at breakfast in Madrid.”
Correction: Ask for a 'café solo.' If you ask for a 'tinto' in Spain, they will likely think you want wine for breakfast!
ah-meh-ree-KAH-nohameɾiˈkano
Examples
¿Me pone un americano doble?
Can I have a double Americano?
¿Quieres un americano o un espresso?
Do you want an Americano or an espresso?
Pide un americano con leche desnatada.
Order an Americano with skim milk.
Tinto vs. Americano
The most common mistake is using 'tinto' when you actually want an 'Americano' coffee drink. Remember, 'tinto' is just plain black coffee, while 'americano' refers to a specific espresso-based drink prepared with hot water.
Related Translations
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