thea
[ˈtʰe.a]feminine
The English word "tea" is thea in Latin.
The term refers to the drink made from the leaves of the tea plant.
Meaning: drink made from leaves of tea plant (noun)
Which one should you use?
While thea is the standard form for the noun, the expression potus theae can be used to specifically mean "a drink of tea."
How does it change in a sentence?
The word thea belongs to the first declension. This means it changes its form depending on its role in a sentence: use theam when the word is the direct object of a verb, and use theae to indicate possession or the phrase "of tea".
Did you know?
- Classical Romans had no word for thea because tea was unknown in the Mediterranean until long after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
- The Latin word thea only looks Greek: it comes from the Hokkien word tê, which reached Europe through Dutch traders.
- Because Latin was the language of science and the Catholic Church, thea became the root for many botanical names for tea plants worldwide.
Examples in context
- Ubi est thea mea?Where's my tea?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of your tea using thea.Tatoeba #13720091 by soridsolid, translation #1886599 by CK
- Sede et bibe theam!Sit and have some tea!This sentence uses the word theam as a direct object.Tatoeba #6767385 by CarpeLanam, translation #3954000 by plumblossoms
- Ubi est thea cum lacte?Where is the tea with milk?This sentence shows how to ask for tea with milk using thea.Tatoeba #8578074 by whatzitdoe, translation #453458 by saasmath
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are relaxing in the kitchen.
- JuliaVisne theam potare?Do you want to drink some tea?
- MarcusIta, theam amo.Yes, I love tea.
- JuliaTunc theam nunc parabo.Then I will prepare the tea now.
- MarcusGratias tibi, Julia!Thank you, Julia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tea” translations and entries thea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries thea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
