洗茶
Term · Brewing
rinse
Literal meaning
wash / wake / moisten the tea
Definition#
A first quick infusion that is discarded, intended to remove dust, pre-warm and open up the leaf. 洗茶 ('wash') is the colloquial term; 醒茶 ('awaken') and 润茶 ('moisten') are preferred by some because they avoid implying the tea is dirty. 醒茶 is also used for airing aged tea before brewing.
Translation and usage#
| Language | Use | Alternatives & cautions |
|---|---|---|
| English | rinse quick discarded first infusion translation |
Also acceptable
Avoid cleaning the tea implies contamination |
| Deutsch | Spülaufguss kurzer, verworfener erster Aufguss translation |
Also acceptable
|
| Русский | промывка первый короткий слив translation |
Also acceptable
Avoid мойка чая просторечно |
| 简体字 | 洗茶 | Also acceptable
|
| 繁體字 | 洗茶 | Also acceptable
Regional usage
|
| 日本語 | 洗茶 |
Common confusions#
- 醒茶 also = resting/airing aged pu'er before session
- Taiwanese writers call the quick discarded first infusion 溫潤泡 and present it as a way to moisten and open tight ball oolong, not to wash off pesticides. A Taiwanese tea farmer speaks of 'waking' (喚醒) the leaf. A 2026 mainland Liubao brewing guide uses 醒茶 and also mentions 洗茶 and 润茶, with a 3-second pour-off.