Welcome to the definitive guide to coffee terminology. If you’ve ever felt lost among terms like ratio, anaerobic process or micrometric grind, you’ve come to the right place.
In this coffee dictionary, we have compiled and defined more than 300 essential terms that cover the entire universe of the bean: from botany on the farm to the most advanced barista and cupping techniques. Our goal is for you to speak the “language of coffee” with complete confidence, whether you are in Spain, Colombia, Mexico, or any corner of the world.
How to use this glossary?
It’s very simple. You can browse the alphabetical index or use the search tool to find a specific concept.
- Quick definitions: Check the technical meaning of each word instantly.
- In-depth guides: Most of the terms can be found in many of our articles. If you want to know more about a specific term, use our general search tool to find the detailed guides where we dive into the “how” and the “why” of each technique or variety.
- Constantly growing: Do you know a term that should be in this dictionary? Right below you will find the link to submit it, leave your name and we will say that you are the author.
Diccionario del Café
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Why it is important to master coffee vocabulary
Understanding the terminology is not just a matter of barista “posturing”; it is the key to improving your extractions at home and knowing exactly what you are buying when you choose a specialty coffee. Knowing how to differentiate between a light roast and a medium, or understanding what a washed process contributes compared with a natural, will completely change your sensory experience.