caf
word
Definition
A short, informal word for a cafeteria or café, usually used to describe a place where you buy simple meals, snacks, or drinks, often at a school, university, or workplace.
Usage & Nuances
'Caf' is informal and often used by students or staff in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. In the US, it's rare; 'cafeteria' or 'cafe' is preferred. Not used for fancy coffee shops—refers to casual or institutional food places, especially in schools and workplaces.
Spanish: cafetería (informal) - café (informal)Portuguese (BR): café (informal) - lanchonete (informal)Portuguese (PT): café (informal) - cantina (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 自助餐厅(非正式) - 小餐馆(俚语)Chinese (Traditional): 自助餐廳(非正式) - 小餐館(俚語)Hindi: कैफे (अनौपचारिक) - कैंटीन (अनौपचारिक)Arabic: كافيه (غير رسمي) - مقصف (غير رسمي)
Example Sentences
Let's meet at the caf after class.
basic
The school caf serves lunch from 12.
basic
I bought a sandwich at the caf.
basic
The caf is so crowded at lunchtime!
natural
They just renovated the old caf—it looks great now.
natural
I always grab coffee from the caf before work starts.
natural