温かい緑茶
oatakai ryokucha
The English phrase "hot green tea" is translated into Japanese as 温かい緑茶 (oatakai ryokucha).
This phrase refers to a beverage made from green tea leaves served at a high temperature.
Which one should you use?
There are two ways to express this depending on the sensation of the temperature.
How do you pronounce it?
oatakai ryokucha
Did you know?
- When ordering 'hot green tea' in a Japanese restaurant, you may be served ほうじ茶 which is roasted green tea and has a brown color instead of green.
- In Japan, if you ask for 'hot' tea using the word 熱い (atsui), you might receive a drink so scalding it is difficult to sip. Using 温かい (atatakai) suggests a more pleasant, drinkable warmth.
- Japanese culture has a specific term, 茶道, meaning 'the way of tea', which turns the preparation of hot green tea into a choreographed spiritual practice.
Examples in context
- 失礼ですが、熱い緑茶をいただけますか。Excuse me, can I have some hot green tea, please?
- 熱い緑茶もらえる？Could I get a cup of green tea, please?
- 温かい緑茶をください。Atatakai ryokucha o kudasai.Please give me some hot green tea.
- 温かい緑茶を飲みました。Atatakai ryokucha o nomimashita.I drank some hot green tea.
- 温かい緑茶を淹れます。Atatakai ryokucha o iremasu.I will brew some hot green tea.
Example conversation
Hana and Ren are relaxing at home in winter.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、温かい緑茶を飲む？Hana, atatakai ryokucha o nomu?Hana, do you want to drink some hot green tea?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、お願い！Un, onegai!Yes, please!
- 蓮 Renはい、温かい緑茶だよ。Hai, atatakai ryokucha dayo.Here is your hot green tea.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、蓮。Arigato, Ren.Thank you, Ren.
