Why is 温かい used instead of 熱い when ordering a hot drink?


In English, "warm" and "hot" are usually interchangeable when ordering a hot
drink. In my experience, "hot" is more frequently used.

I was corrected with 温かいコーヒー when asking for an 熱いコーヒー so I assume that my
statement was incorrect.

Thus, I am curious as to why 温かい is the preferred adjective for ordering a
"hot" beverage?




「熱い飲み物」 is used when we want to **emphasize** a drink's hotness.

「温かい飲み物」 is used for drinks that are **properly** hot.

My friend often says 「熱いお茶をください」 when she wants to emphasize its hotness.




「熱い飲み物」 is used when we want to **emphasize** a drink's hotness.

「温かい飲み物」 is used for drinks that are **properly** hot.

My friend often says 「熱いお茶をください」 when she wants to emphasize its hotness.

