Pronunciation: [kˈafe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "cafe" can be a little tricky for non-native speakers of English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /kæˈfeɪ/, with the stress on the second syllable. The letter "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound, and the "e" at the end is pronounced as "ay." Some people may also mistakenly spell it as "café" with an accent on the "e," which is commonly used in French, but not necessary in English.
A café is a noun that refers to an establishment where individuals can gather to consume various food and beverage offerings, particularly those of a light and casual nature. It is a place where people often visit to engage in social activities, relaxation, or work while enjoying refreshments. Cafés typically provide a cozy ambiance that encourages conversation, making them a popular choice for socializing and meeting friends.
Cafés often offer a diverse selection of food and beverage options, focusing on coffee as a main attraction. A wide assortment of coffee-based drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos, are commonly served in cafés. In addition to coffee, teas, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, salads, and light meals are usually available, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
The atmosphere of a café is usually characterized by comfortable seating arrangements, soft lighting, and pleasant background music. Many cafés provide Wi-Fi access, making them favorable places for individuals to work remotely, study, or conduct business meetings. The concept of a café has evolved over time, with various adaptations including internet cafés, book cafés, and jazz cafés, all aimed at capturing specific interests and creating specialized environments to cater to different clienteles.
Overall, a café serves the purpose of providing a relaxed environment where people can enjoy snacks, beverages, and good company, making it a popular destination for individuals seeking a break from their daily routines.
A coffee-house.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cafe" is derived from the French word "café", which ultimately traces back to the Ottoman Turkish word "kahve". "Kahve" itself originates from the Arabic word "qahwah" meaning "coffee". The term "qahwah" was originally used to refer to the dark, stimulating beverage made from coffee beans. Over time, the word "cafe" came to not only signify the drink itself but also the establishment where coffee was served. The term was adopted throughout Europe and eventually became a widely recognized term for a place that offers various beverages, light meals, and a social atmosphere.
