Inklingo

How to Say "long black" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tinto

TEEN-tohˈtinto

nounA2general
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.
A small white ceramic cup filled with dark black coffee.

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!

americano

ah-meh-ree-KAH-nohameɾiˈkano

nounA2coffee terminology
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.
A tall glass mug containing a dark coffee drink, known as an Americano, resting on a wooden surface.

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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