cai3 caa4沏茶
Jyutpingcai3 caa4
Yalechai chàh
Definition
To brew tea in a traditional, ceremonial way.
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How it's used
Distinguish this from the everyday verb 沖茶, which simply means brewing tea for consumption. 沏茶 implies a deliberate, ritualistic process often associated with tea culture or formal hospitality. It is rarely used in casual settings where one just wants a quick cup of tea.
Examples
The master is very focused on making tea for us in the traditional way.
Do you know how to perform the traditional tea-making ceremony?
Related words
Common phrases
to make tea to entertain guests
Common mistake
Learners often use this word for everyday tea preparation, which sounds overly formal or even pretentious in a casual context. Stick to 沖茶 for daily life.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
