A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Macchiato
Learn to pronounce macchiato, the Italian espresso drink with a dollop of milk foam.
macchiato
mah-KYAH-toh
/mɑːˈkjɑːtoʊ/ · mah · cchi · a · to
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common in conversations among coffee enthusiasts discussing different beverage options.
Where the word comes from
The word 'macchiato' comes from Italian, meaning 'stained' or 'marked'. It refers to the espresso being 'marked' with a small amount of milk.
Common ways people get it wrong
- mak-ee-AH-toh People sometimes mispronounce the 'cc' as a hard 'k' sound. Remember it's closer to a 'ch' sound, like in 'church'.
- mah-CHEE-ah-toh The stress is on the second syllable, not the third. Focus on the 'KYAH' sound.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between a latte and a macchiato?
A latte has more steamed milk and less foam, with the espresso mixed in. A macchiato is primarily espresso 'marked' with a small amount of milk foam.
Is macchiato Italian or Spanish?
Macchiato is an Italian word. It means 'stained' or 'marked' in Italian.
How do you say macchiato in Italian?
The Italian pronunciation is very close to the English one: mah-kee-AH-toh, with a slightly rolled 'r' if you can manage it.
How do Italians pronounce macchiato?
In Italian, macchiato is pronounced mah-kee-AH-toh. The emphasis is on the 'ah' sound in the middle syllable.
What does "macchiato" literally mean?
Macchiato is an Italian word that literally means 'stained' or 'marked'. It refers to the milk 'staining' the espresso.
How do you say "the coffee macchiato"?
To say 'the coffee macchiato' in Italian, you would say 'il caffè macchiato'. This translates directly to 'the stained coffee'.
Pronunciation of macchiato in English
In English, macchiato is often pronounced mak-ee-AH-toh. Some variations exist, but this is a common pronunciation.
