Giuseppe Motta finishes off an espresso at the PePe Caffe, a small bar set up at the Italian Mensa on Aviano Air Base, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)

Italian coffee culture is strong, just like the espresso. Popping into a cafe for a pick-me-up is a rite of passage before work, after lunch or just about any time of day.

While both Americans and Italians drink a lot of coffee, the culture around it is very different. American coffee is much larger and often taken to-go or consumed while getting some work done.

Italians almost never take their coffee to-go, yet sitting and working on a laptop while drinking is also uncommon. Most drink their coffee standing at the bar, or sometimes at a table while reading a newspaper.

Americans visiting and living in Italy, such as the thousands of service members assigned to the country, can sometimes be confused about the coffee culture. Aside from the language barrier, terminology differs. Here’s how to order coffee in Italy like a pro:

A ‘cafe’ is actually called a ‘bar’ in Italy

What’s especially confusing, but we’ll get to in a minute, is that “caffè” means “coffee.” You’ll see hundreds of bars around Italy on almost every corner, even in tiny cities. To the untrained eye, it may appear that many people have a drinking problem. But they’re only coffee addicts.

Counter service

Italians drink their coffee fast and at the bar. Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Instead, they’ll pop into bars four or five times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista.

For an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The clink of ceramic cups and routine of shaking and stirring sugar packets is endearing, and one you won’t get from a table. At most bars, you order at the cash register and pay, then bring your ticket to the barista.

If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. It’s usually twice the price if you use table service, where you can usually pay after drinking. WiFi is rarely available at Italian bars. Italians will sit with a newspaper or chat with friends, but working from coffee shops is rare.

Let’s talk terms

• Caffè: This means “coffee” in Italian, but you won’t get filter coffee. It’s what we call espresso in the U.S. You can just say “espresso” if you like.

• Caffè Americano: If you’re looking for filter coffee, this is the closest you’ll get. It’s espresso with hot water added, and probably still stronger than the average American cup.

• Caffè macchiato: Meaning “stained” or “spotted” coffee, this is an espresso with a dash of hot, foamy milk on top. Many like it with a bit of sugar.

• Caffè con panna: Similar to the macchiato, but sweeter, this espresso is topped with sweet whipped cream.

• Caffè corretto: This “corrected” coffee is served with a drop of liquor, usually cognac, grappa or Sambuca, but feel free to add the tipple of your choice.

• Caffè shakerato: Delicious in the sweltering summer months, a caffè shakerato is a fresh espresso mixed with sugar and ice, shaken vigorously like a martini until it froths as it’s poured into a chilled glass. Some people add chocolate syrup as well.

• Caffè latte: This is espresso with hot milk, just like a latte in the U.S. But be careful to specify the “caffè” part, because “latte” just means “milk.” Many tourists order a “latte” and are shocked when they’re presented with a steaming mug of white milk. Even ordered correctly, the caffè latte is an uncommon drink in Italy, and you might not get what you expect.

• Cappuccino: Italy’s most famous coffee drink. The cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to frothed whole milk. But they come with a caveat — Italians drink them before noon. There are strictly held beliefs about food and drink here, and this is one of them.

In Italy, the heavy milk and foam in a cappuccino constitutes breakfast, and Italians generally deem cappuccinos far too heavy for an afternoon coffee break.

While a newcomer might feel a little lost when walking into a bar, someone will normally offer to assist, depending on the locale. Just take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy.