etymology.today
20.04.2025 | see previous words
ק
ָ
פ
ֶ
ה
"kafe"
Hebrew
> DEFINITION:
Coffee - a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans.
> ETYMOLOGY:
Origin: The Hebrew word 'קָפֶה' (kafe) originates from the Turkish word 'kahve', which itself comes from the Arabic 'قهوة' (qahwa). The Arabic term refers to a type of wine, and it was later used to describe the coffee beverage. Historical and Cultural Context: The earliest known evidence of coffee drinking dates back to the 15th century in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. From there, coffee spread to Persia, Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire. The term 'kafe' was adopted into Hebrew during interactions with the Ottoman Turks. Evolution: Over time, 'קָפֶה' (kafe) became the standard term in Hebrew for coffee, influenced by its widespread consumption and the global coffee trade. Cognates include 'café' in French and 'caffè' in Italian. Modern Relevance: Today, 'קָפֶה' is used in Israel to refer to coffee and is a staple in cafes and homes. The term is associated with social activities and is a popular beverage worldwide.
> FUN_FACT:
In modern Hebrew slang, 'קָפֶה' (kafe) can also refer to a casual meeting or date over coffee.

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