Il caffè è forte.

The coffee is strong.

Breakdown of Il caffè è forte.

• essere: to be
• il caffè: the coffee
• forte: strong

Questions & Answers about Il caffè è forte.

What is the literal meaning of Il caffè è forte. in English?

It translates directly as The coffee is strong. This means that the coffee has a robust, intense flavor or character.

Why is the definite article Il used before caffè?

In Italian, every masculine singular noun typically requires a definite article when referring to a specific item. Il indicates that caffè is a masculine noun and specifies that we are talking about a particular coffee.

What is the role of the verb è in this sentence?

The word è is the third person singular present tense of the verb essere, which means to be. It acts as a linking verb connecting the subject Il caffè with the predicate adjective forte.

How does the adjective forte function here, and does it agree with the noun caffè?

The adjective forte describes the quality of the coffee. In Italian, adjectives usually agree with their noun in gender and number; since caffè is masculine singular—and forte remains the same in masculine and feminine singular forms—the adjective is correctly matched.

Are there any pronunciation or accentuation details about caffè that English speakers should note?