绿茶

• Pinyin: lǜ chá
• Hanzi breakdown: 绿 = 纟(silk) + 录 (phonetic), meaning green — the colour of fresh silk; 茶 = 艹 (grass) + 人 (person) + 木 (tree), a plant harvested by people from bushes

Meaning

Green tea. Unfermented tea that retains its natural green colour and fresh flavour.

The most popular type of tea in China, including famous varieties like 龙井 (Longjing), 碧螺春 (Biluochun), and 毛尖 (Maojian). Green tea is deeply embedded in Chinese daily life and culture. It is valued for its health benefits and refreshing taste. Commonly served in homes, offices, and restaurants across China.

Examples

1. 中国人很喜欢喝绿茶。 Chinese people really enjoy drinking green tea.
2. 请给我来一杯绿茶。 Please give me a cup of green tea.
3. 绿茶对身体有很多好处。 Green tea has many health benefits.

Usage Guide

Context: food and drink, culture, health

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 我每天都喝一杯绿茶。(I drink a cup of green tea every day.)
• 这里的绿茶是今年的新茶。(The green tea here is this year's fresh tea.)

Don't Say

• 给我一杯热的绿茶加牛奶。(Green tea is traditionally not served with milk in Chinese culture — that combination is unusual. If you want tea with milk, order 奶茶.)

Origin & History

绿 means green; 茶 means tea. A straightforward compound describing tea that is green in colour — unfermented tea leaves.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal