(ちゃかい)

ちゃかい
noun
tea gathering, tea ceremony event
1. tea gathering, tea ceremony event, tea party
A formal or semi-formal gathering where tea is prepared and served according to the traditions of Japanese tea ceremony (茶道(さどう)). Can range from intimate sessions with a few guests to large-scale public events.
茶会(ちゃかい)(まね)かれた。
I was invited to a tea gathering.
(あき)(おお)茶会(ちゃかい)公園(こうえん)(ひら)かれる。
A large autumn tea gathering will be held in the park.
(はじ)めて茶会(ちゃかい)参加(さんか)したとき、作法(さほう)がわからず緊張(きんちょう)したが、亭主(ていしゅ)丁寧(ていねい)(おし)えてくれた。
When I attended a tea gathering for the first time, I was nervous because I didn't know the etiquette, but the host kindly taught me.

USAGE NOTE:
茶会(ちゃかい) refers specifically to gatherings centered on the Japanese tea ceremony (茶道(さどう)). At a 茶会(ちゃかい), the host (亭主(ていしゅ)) prepares 抹茶(まっちゃ) (powdered green tea) and serves it to guests along with 和菓子(わがし) (Japanese sweets). Guests follow established etiquette for receiving and drinking the tea.

Larger public 茶会(ちゃかい) are often held at temples, parks, or cultural centers and are open to beginners.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 茶会(ちゃかい)(ひら)く (hold a tea gathering)
  • 茶会(ちゃかい)(まね)く (invite to a tea gathering)
  • (おお)茶会(ちゃかい) (large tea gathering / tea festival)
  • 野点(のだて)茶会(ちゃかい) (outdoor tea gathering)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 茶道(さどう): the way of tea, tea ceremony (the art form itself)
  • 茶席(ちゃせき): tea ceremony seat/session (the individual sitting where tea is served)