A1noun2K

Cafe

UK /["/ˈkæfeɪ/"]/US /["/kæˈfeɪ/"]/

Definition

a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals. Alcohol is not usually served in British or American cafes.

In simple words: A small restaurant where you can buy drinks and light meals.

Examples

  • There are small shops and pavement cafes around every corner.
  • an outdoor cafe serving drinks and light meals
  • They were having lunch at a cafe near the station.
  • We stopped for a coffee in our favourite cafe.

Usage notes

Commonly used in casual conversation. Appropriate for informal settings. 'Cafe' is not typically used in very formal contexts. In a formal meeting, you might say 'coffee shop' instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'café' — imagine enjoying coffee outside on a sunny day.

Collocations

  • pavement
  • sidewalk
  • transport
  • eat at
  • frequent
  • go to
  • serve something
  • in a/​the cafe

Synonyms

  • coffee shop
  • bistro
  • diner
  • tearoom

Antonyms

  • library
  • office

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'café' — remember the accent changes the meaning.
  • Using 'cafe' to refer to fine dining establishments.
  • Saying 'cafe' instead of 'coffee shop' interchangeably.