In Japan, it’s “O-cha.” In India, it’s “Chai.” But in English, it’s “Tea.” In French, it’s “Thé.”

Why do almost all languages on Earth fall into one of these two groups? The answer isn’t random. It actually reveals a map of ancient trade routes. The name you use depends entirely on whether the tea arrived in your country by land or by sea.

Here is the fascinating story behind the two names.

1. The Land Route: The “Cha” Team

The pronunciation “Cha” (or Chai) has its roots in the Cantonese and Mandarin pronunciations used in mainland China.

Centuries ago, tea traveled out of China along the Silk Road. Traders carried tea leaves on camels and horses across Central Asia to the West. Because these traders learned the name from people in northern and central China, the sound “Cha” spread along with the leaves.

• Where did it go? This is why countries connected by land routes—such as Japan, Russia, India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa—use variations of “Cha” or “Chai.”

2. The Sea Route: The “Tea” Team

On the other hand, the word “Tea” comes from a very specific dialect called Min Nan, spoken in the Fujian province (specifically around the port city of Xiamen/Amoy). In this local dialect, the character for tea (茶) is pronounced “Te” (tay).

In the 17th century, Dutch traders arrived at these coastal ports in Fujian to buy tea. They didn’t take the Silk Road; they took ships. They learned the local word “Te” and brought it back to Europe.

• Where did it go? The Dutch introduced the word to their neighbors. This is why England (Tea), France (Thé), Spain (Té), and Germany (Tee) all use this version. Later, European colonists took this word to the Americas and other parts of the world.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Logistics

It is amazing to think that a single word can tell us how our ancestors traded.

• If your country got tea via camels and horses (Land Route), you likely say Cha.

• If your country got tea via ships and sailors (Sea Route), you likely say Tea.

So, the next time you sip your cup of tea (or cha), remember: you aren’t just drinking a beverage; you are tasting a piece of global history!

Should you read it as “Sadō”? Or is “Chadō” the correct pronunciation?

The short answer is: Both are correct!

However, the reason why there are two different readings is a fascinating mix of history, tradition, and the styles of different tea schools. Here is a breakdown to help you understand the difference.

1. A Look Back at History

Historically, during the Edo period, the word was generally pronounced “Chadō.”

However, as Japan moved into the modern era, the reading “Sadō” became more widespread. Today, “Sadō” is the most common way to read it in general conversation.

There is also an interesting theory about why the change happened. In the past, there was a specific job title for the person in charge of tea for the Shogun or head monks, which was called “Sadō” (written as 茶頭). To avoid confusing the practice of tea with the person serving it, people started calling the practice “Chadō” for a while. Eventually, usage shifted back and forth.

2. Different Schools, Different Readings

In the world of Tea Ceremony, there are three main historical schools (known as the San-Senke). Depending on which school you belong to, the preferred pronunciation changes:

• Urasenke (裏千家): They traditionally prefer “Chadō.”

• Omotesenke (表千家): They mainly use “Sadō,” though they aren’t strictly against the other reading.

• Mushakōjisenke (武者小路千家): They don’t mind either, but they often prefer using the older, softer term “Chanoyu” (茶の湯) instead of the word “Tea Ceremony.”

3. The “Cha” Connection

From a linguistic perspective, “Chadō” actually makes a lot of sense.

Think about other tea-related words in Japanese:

• Cha-gama (Tea kettle)

• Cha-shitsu (Tea room)

• Cha-wan (Tea bowl)

• Cha-dougu (Tea utensils)

Since almost all related tools and terms start with the sound “Cha,” saying “Chadō” feels very natural and consistent.

Conclusion: Which Should You Use?

Today, public institutions like NHK (Japanese National Broadcasting) recognize both readings as correct. However, in general news and casual conversation, you will hear “Sadō” more often.

So, which one should you use? If you are practicing with the Urasenke school, stick to “Chadō.” If you are talking to a general Japanese friend, “Sadō” might be safer. But don’t worry—Japanese people understand both, and neither is considered “wrong.”

Whether you say Sadō or Chadō, the spirit remains the same: finding peace in a bowl of tea.

By passing through the open space, guests leave their daily routines and turn their minds to the world of tea. This is not merely a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well.

By enjoying the atmosphere of the open air and purifying themselves with water, the guest gradually becomes immersed in the spirit of tea.

In learning the tea ceremony, it is very important to understand the meaning and role of this dew ground. It is not only to know the manners of the tea ceremony, but also to experience the spatial awareness, aesthetic sense, and even spirituality unique to Japanese culture.

The dew ground is a space that symbolizes the depth of the tea ceremony and the essence of Japanese culture.

The word “dew ground” is derived from a Buddhist term. The word “dew” was said to represent the teachings of the Buddha and “chi” the foundation of the mind, symbolizing the state of enlightenment. With the adoption of this word, the path to the tea house became more than just a physical journey, but a place of spiritual practice.

With the development of the tea ceremony, the roji has evolved from a mere passageway to a spiritual space. It became a space that reflected the “wabi-sabi” aesthetic sense unique to Japanese culture and the Buddhist worldview, and is still recognized as an important element of the tea ceremony to this day.

The various ideas of Zen are concentrated in the dewdrops. By studying the tea ceremony, we naturally come into contact with these profound ideas and experience the spirituality of Japanese culture.

The placement of tatami in the tea ceremony determined the position of the tokonoma (alcove), nijiriguchi (doorway), and chadoguchi (entrance to the tea ceremony), and even the placement of the furnace.

Tatami mats were given names according to their roles.

For example, the tatami on which the master performs the tea ceremony is called “tegozen tatami,” the tatami on which the guests sit is called “kyakudo tatami,” and the tatami on which the furnace is cut is called “roro tatami. These names served to clarify their position and function in the tea room and facilitate the progress of the tea ceremony.
The practice of not stepping on the edges of tatami was also established during this period. This had both practical (protection of the edges) and cultural (respect for the family crest) reasons, but the tea ceremony further developed this practice and gave it meaning as a boundary line to distinguish the fields of the host and the guests.

Thus, the importance of tatami mats and their edges has been established over a long period of time through a combination of the development of Japanese residential culture and the refinement of the tea ceremony. It became not just a physical element, but a cultural element that symbolized the Japanese sense of beauty and the way people relate to each other.

Studying the tea ceremony cultivates an eye for finding special meaning and beauty in the ordinary, everyday things that we usually pass by without thinking about them.

For example, by becoming aware of the edges of tatami mats, one realizes that tatami mats, which one had thought of as mere flooring material, are an important communication tool that connects the host and the guests. In this way, the process of discovering unusual elements hidden in the everyday is like a treasure hunt.

The tea ceremony is more than just a hobby or an education; it is a treasure trove of practical wisdom that enriches our lives.

The custom of drinking koicha together symbolically expresses the spirit of Japanese people’s respect for harmony. The act of drinking from a single tea bowl together in turn embodies the uniquely Japanese value of sharing joy and gratitude together, transcending individual differences.

The ritual of Koicha, especially at festive occasions, has the effect of uniting the hearts of all participants and amplifying their joy. When each person drinks from the same bowl of koicha, it creates a sense of equality and shared joy for everyone present.
This custom of drinking koicha together reflects the high level of cooperation and group consciousness of the Japanese people, and is also deeply connected to the spirit of “ichiki ichikai,” or cherishing the moment and viewing it as a special opportunity that will never come again.
Studying the tea ceremony is an excellent opportunity to gain an experiential understanding of these traditional Japanese values and spiritual culture. By experiencing the moment when people’s hearts are united through thick tea, we can experience the depth of Japanese culture and rediscover the importance of human connections.

Furthermore, the traditional Japanese sense of community has influenced the values of the Japanese people.
In Japanese rural communities, there was a custom of communal farming, such as rice planting and harvesting.
This spirit of mutual support, called “yui,” is also believed to have influenced the tea ceremony.

In Japanese Shinto rituals, there is also the idea that drinking miki together connects gods and people, and people to people.
In Buddhism, too, there is the custom of monks eating from the same bowl.

This custom has been passed down to the present day as a symbolic expression of the Japanese spirit of respect for harmony.

Through the simple act of sharing a single bowl of tea, the profound teachings of Zen can be learned experientially.

Therefore, this custom is not just a cultural practice, but an important symbolic element of Japanese spirituality that has been passed down through the generations in the tea ceremony.

The pursuit of cleanliness in the tea ceremony symbolizes not only physical cleanliness, but also purity of mind.

For example, the use of disposable hygiene items such as the kuromoji toothpick and the thorough cleaning of the tea room demonstrate the high level of hygiene awareness of the Japanese people, as well as the culture’s pursuit of spiritual cleanliness. This act of “purification” reflects the uniquely Japanese concept of not only maintaining physical health, but also purifying the mind.

Studying the tea ceremony is an excellent opportunity to gain an experiential understanding of this traditional Japanese concept of hygiene and spiritual culture. In a clean space, we enjoy a cup of tea with a pure heart. In the process, we can experience the depth of Japanese culture and gain hints on how to lead a life that is rich in both mind and body.

There are long historical and cultural factors behind the close connection between the Japanese concept of hygiene and the tea ceremony.

First, Japan has a hot and humid climate, and has long struggled with food spoilage and the spread of disease. This environment has contributed to the Japanese awareness of hygiene.

For example, churomoji, used for toothpicks, is said to have been effective in sterilizing.

One of the reasons why the tea ceremony is so deeply connected to the concept of hygiene and spirituality is because it incorporates Buddhist, particularly Zen, thought.

In Zen Buddhism, the concept of “cleanliness” is of great importance. This means not just physical cleanliness, but also purity of mind. In Zen teaching, external cleanliness is an expression of internal cleanliness, and vice versa. In other words, keeping the environment clean is also an act of purifying the mind.

The tea ceremony deeply incorporates this Zen concept. For example, the act of cleaning a tea room is not only for hygienic reasons, but also as part of the practice of preparing the mind. By cleaning the tearoom, one is simultaneously cleaning one’s mind.

Thus, the connection between the concept of hygiene and spirituality in the tea ceremony is due to its deep incorporation of Zen philosophy. The act of preparing tea in a clean environment and with a pure heart embodies the teachings of Zen. This act itself embodies the teachings of Zen.

In particular, the core Zen teaching of “living in the moment” is embedded in the tea ceremony.

From the moment we step into the tea room, we are asked to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and simply focus on the present moment. The tea is prepared, the bowl is passed around, and a cup of tea is savored. All of these actions are the very essence of the Zen teaching of “living in the moment.

Studying the tea ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to understand the philosophy of Zen from an experiential perspective. Through the practice of the tea ceremony, we can attain inner peace, face ourselves, and get in touch with the essence of life.

There are historical and cultural factors in Japan that led to the tea ceremony becoming deeply connected with Zen philosophy. The drinking of tea was originally introduced from China, but developed uniquely in Japan. In particular, the culture of tea was greatly influenced by the process of the introduction and spread of Zen Buddhism in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

The tea ceremony developed uniquely in the cultural context of Japan, absorbing Zen ideas.As a result, it was established as a uniquely Japanese culture that embodies the teachings of Zen.

The main reason why the tea ceremony incorporates Zen ideas is that there is a deep similarity in the ultimate goal that they both pursue. Zen aims to discover the true self through enlightenment and to understand the essence of life. The tea ceremony, on the other hand, is a path of self-examination and the search for the meaning of life through a series of rituals in which tea is served.

First of all, the central teaching of Zen, “live in the present moment,” is also connected to the spirit of the tea ceremony, “Ichiichi-Ichi-Ichikai.

Through tea ceremony practice and tea gatherings, we naturally learn to focus on the present moment.

Furthermore, learning and practicing tea ceremony etiquette has a similar effect to meditation.
By concentrating on the gesture of preparing tea, one can temporarily free oneself from daily stresses and worries and regain peace of mind.

For example, the regular movement of the tea whisk in preparing matcha tea has the effect of regulating breathing and calming the mind. Regularly practicing the tea ceremony will also improve your long-term stress tolerance and help you achieve mental stability.

In particular, the cleanliness of the tea room expresses the state of purity of mind emphasized in Zen Buddhism.

By removing the unnecessary and leaving only the essential, it creates a place to dispel the distractions of the mind and face one’s true self.

Studying the tea ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to gain an experiential understanding of the Zen philosophy and to experience the depth of Japanese culture.

The reason why the tea ceremony incorporates Zen concepts is because there are deep similarities in the state of mind that they both aspire to.

Zen aims to discover the true self through enlightenment and to understand the essence of life.

The tea ceremony is also a path of self-examination and the search for the meaning of life through a series of actions in the preparation of tea.

Zen’s emphasis on simplicity and purity has also greatly influenced the tea ceremony.

The aesthetics of “wabi” and “sabi” are deeply connected to the teachings of Zen, as they eliminate the unnecessary in the design of the tea room and in the selection of utensils, creating the maximum effect with the minimum necessary.

In this way, the tea ceremony is a practical embodiment of Zen philosophy. Through the everyday act of making and drinking tea, one can learn the profound teachings of Zen through experience. Therefore, the tea ceremony has an important place in Japanese culture as a way of spiritual cultivation, not just a cultural custom.

In Zen philosophy, nature is the teacher that shows the path to enlightenment, and harmony with nature is an important path to spiritual growth.

Also important in Zen is the concept of impermanence. It teaches that everything is constantly changing and that nothing stays the same forever.


Studying the tea ceremony allows students to understand the traditional Japanese sense of beauty and the concept of “wabi and sabi” experientially. Tea ceremonies also use seasonal utensils and confections. This cultivates the ability to more delicately sense the transitions of nature and adds richness and color to daily life.
By appreciating seasonal flowers, tasting the texture of tea utensils, and feeling the harmony of space, students will develop an eye for subtle beauty in everyday life.

The tea ceremony is the culmination of Japanese culture. By studying the tea ceremony, students are exposed to various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, such as pottery, calligraphy, flower arrangement, architecture, and cuisine. This knowledge will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and open the door to new interests.