茶道(ちゃどう)

茶道(ちゃどう) is the traditional Japanese art of preparing and serving 抹茶(まっちゃ) (powdered green tea). More than just tea-making, it embodies principles of harmony (和(わ)), respect (敬(けい)), purity (清(せい)), and tranquility (寂(じゃく)).

Alternative reading

茶道(さどう) is an equally common reading. 裏千家(うらせんけ) uses さどう, while 表千家(おもてせんけ) uses ちゃどう.

Key vocabulary

• 抹茶(まっちゃ): matcha (powdered green tea)
• 茶室(ちゃしつ): tea room
• 茶碗(ちゃわん): tea bowl
• 作法(さほう): etiquette, proper form
• お点前(てまえ): the procedure of making tea
• 床(とこ)の間(ま): alcove (where a scroll and flowers are displayed)

Major schools

• 表千家(おもてせんけ): Omotesenke
• 裏千家(うらせんけ): Urasenke (largest school)
• 武者小路千家(むしゃこうじせんけ): Mushanokōjisenke

茶道(ちゃどう) is widely taught in schools and cultural centers and is considered one of the essential Japanese cultural arts.