紅茶
kōcha[ko̞ːt͡ɕa̠]
The English phrase "black tea" is translated into Japanese as 紅茶 (kōcha).
紅茶 refers to tea leaves that have been fermented.
Meaning: tea leaves which have been "fermented" (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers call it "black tea" based on the color of the leaves, Japanese speakers call it "red tea" (kōcha) based on the color of the infusion.
How do you pronounce it?
kōcha
Did you know?
- The term 紅茶 is much more specific than the broad category of 'tea' (cha) in Japan. In a cafe, 'cha' often implies Japanese green tea, so using 'kōcha' is essential to avoid receiving a cup of green tea instead.
- Despite the name 紅茶 meaning 'red tea', the Japanese word for the color red used in everyday contexts is usually 赤, not 紅.
- In Japanese tea culture, the term 紅茶 marks a clear departure from the traditional world of 'matcha' or 'sencha'. It signals the arrival of Western-style tea drinking habits during the Meiji era.
Examples in context
- 緑茶と紅茶、どっちが好き？Do you prefer green tea or black tea?This sentence is useful for comparing green tea and 紅茶.Tatoeba #10134451 by small_snow, translation #6942442 by CK
- 私が一番好きな飲み物は紅茶です。My favorite drink is black tea.This sentence shows how to express a preference for 紅茶.Tatoeba #10917247 by small_snow, translation #10917252 by CK
- 紅茶とコーヒー、どちらがいいですか。Would you like black tea or coffee?This sentence is useful for offering a choice between 紅茶 and coffee.Tatoeba #1810654 by Meow, translation #1812110 by Bah_Dure
- すみません、紅茶をお願いいたします。Excuse me, please give me black tea.
- ちょっと、紅茶ください。Hey, can I have some black tea?
- 濃い紅茶が好きです。I like strong black tea.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are at a cafe choosing drinks.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは何を飲みますか？Misaki-san wa nani o nomimasu ka?What will you drink, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misaki私は温かい紅茶にします。Watashi wa atatakai kōcha ni shimasu.I'll have a hot black tea.
- 健太 Kentaミルクは入れますか？Miruku wa iremasu ka?Would you like milk in it?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black tea” translations and entries 紅茶, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
