How to say "tea" in Japanese

• 茶ちゃJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe plain, general word for tea, not limited to any particular kind; used in neutral reference and writing. Adding the honorific prefix gives the polite お茶.
• ティーCommon
  nounThe loanword, used mainly for Western-style tea, especially black tea, as when ordering at a café; for Japanese green tea one says お茶, not ティー.
• お茶おちゃJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe polite word for tea, especially green or barley tea; use it when offering a guest a cup or when speaking of tea in conversation.
  ご都合つごうのよいときにお茶ちゃを飲のみにお寄よりになりませんか。↗

  Why don't you drop in for tea at your convenience?

茶 is the plain, general word for tea; 「ティー」 is the loanword, typically for Western-style black tea; 「お茶」 is the polite form, especially green or barley tea, used when offering or drinking tea.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 茶ちゃtea
• ティーtea
• お茶おちゃtea (esp. green or barley)
• おぶうhot water (for drinking)
• 茗めいtea (esp. picked late)
• 粗茶そちゃtea (often used when offering someone a cup)