点茶點茶
Term · History
whisked tea
Literal meaning
pour (point) + tea
Definition#
A method of preparing powdered tea, prominent in Song tea culture: mix tea powder with a little hot water, add more water, and beat it with a whisk or spoon. The Palace Museum distinguishes this preparation from doucha, a contest, and chabaixi, forming pictures on the tea surface.
Translation and usage#
| Language | Use | Alternatives & cautions |
|---|---|---|
| English | whisked tea Song method of whisking powdered tea translation |
Also acceptable
Avoid pointing tea Babelcarp's literal gloss; 点 refers to pouring water in measured stages matcha ceremony names the later Japanese practice, not the Song method |
| Deutsch | geschlagener Tee Song-zeitliches Aufschlagen von Pulvertee translation |
Also acceptable
|
| Русский | взбитый чай сунский способ взбивания порошкового чая translation |
Also acceptable
|
| 简体字 | 点茶 | |
| 繁體字 | 點茶 | |
| 日本語 | 点茶 茶の粉に湯を加えて攪拌する方法。日本の現代の抹茶作法と同一とは限らない。 translation |
Also acceptable
|
Common confusions#
- Equated with modern Japanese matcha; Song tea was leaf steamed and dried straight after picking, pressed into cakes and ground before whisking (Chinese Wikipedia, 点茶).
- The 茶录 calls the contest form 斗试; whisking is the method, doucha the competition.