Understanding and practicing proper etiquette is essential when participating in Korean tea culture, known as Dado (다도). This guide covers the fundamental vocabulary, phrases, and cultural nuances associated with enjoying tea in Korea, helping you navigate these situations with grace and respect.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental term for tea etiquette in Korean.
- Expression: 다례 (茶禮) / 차 예절
Pronunciation: da-rye / cha ye-jeol
Meaning: Tea ceremony etiquette / Tea manners (Both terms refer to the proper conduct and procedures when drinking tea, with 다례 often implying a more formal tea ceremony context).
Basic Tea Vocabulary
Familiarize yourself with these essential terms related to tea and its preparation.
- Expression: 차
Pronunciation: cha
Meaning: Tea - Expression: 찻잔
Pronunciation: chat-jan
Meaning: Teacup - Expression: 찻주전자
Pronunciation: chat-ju-jeon-ja
Meaning: Teapot - Expression: 녹차
Pronunciation: nok-cha
Meaning: Green tea - Expression: 홍차
Pronunciation: hong-cha
Meaning: Black tea (literally “red tea”) - Expression: 다과
Pronunciation: da-gwa
Meaning: Tea snacks, refreshments served with tea - Expression: 물
Pronunciation: mul
Meaning: Water - Expression: 뜨거운 물
Pronunciation: tteu-geo-un mul
Meaning: Hot water - Expression: 차를 우리다
Pronunciation: cha-reul u-ri-da
Meaning: To brew tea - Expression: 차를 따르다
Pronunciation: cha-reul tta-reu-da
Meaning: To pour tea - Expression: 차를 마시다
Pronunciation: cha-reul ma-si-da
Meaning: To drink tea - Expression: 향
Pronunciation: hyang
Meaning: Aroma, fragrance (of the tea)
Key Etiquette Phrases
These phrases are commonly used when participating in a tea setting.
- Expression: 차 드세요.
Pronunciation: cha deu-se-yo.
Meaning: Please have some tea. (Polite) - Expression: 잘 마시겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jal ma-si-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will drink it well. (Said before drinking, expressing gratitude) - Expression: 잘 마셨습니다.
Pronunciation: jal ma-syeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I drank it well. (Said after finishing, expressing gratitude) - Expression: 차 맛이 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: cha ma-si jot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The tea tastes good. - Expression: 향이 참 좋네요.
Pronunciation: hyang-i cham jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: The aroma is very nice. - Expression: 천천히 드세요.
Pronunciation: cheon-cheon-hi deu-se-yo.
Meaning: Please drink slowly. - Expression: 차 한 잔 더 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: cha han jan deo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I give you another cup of tea? - Expression: 네, 주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, please. (In response to an offer) - Expression: 아니요, 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: No, thank you. / No, I’m fine. - Expression: 이 차 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i cha i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the name of this tea? - Expression: 다과는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: da-gwa-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are these tea snacks? - Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you.
Hosting and Guest Phrases
Specific phrases for hosts serving tea and guests receiving it.
- Expression: (Host) 편하게 앉으세요.
Pronunciation: (Host) pyeon-ha-ge an-jeu-se-yo.
Meaning: (Host) Please sit comfortably. - Expression: (Host) 제가 차를 준비하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: (Host) je-ga cha-reul jun-bi-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Host) I will prepare the tea. - Expression: (Host) 먼저 향을 맡아보세요.
Pronunciation: (Host) meon-jeo hyang-eul ma-ta-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: (Host) Please smell the aroma first. - Expression: (Host) 찻잔이 뜨거우니 조심하세요.
Pronunciation: (Host) chat-ja-ni tteu-geo-u-ni jo-sim-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: (Host) The teacup is hot, so please be careful. - Expression: (Host) 입에 맞으셨으면 좋겠습니다.
Pronunciation: (Host) i-be ma-jeu-syeot-seu-myeon jo-ket-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Host) I hope it suits your taste. - Expression: (Guest) 초대해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: (Guest) cho-dae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: (Guest) Thank you for inviting me. - Expression: (Guest) 준비하시느라 수고하셨습니다.
Pronunciation: (Guest) jun-bi-ha-si-neu-ra su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Guest) Thank you for your effort in preparing this. - Expression: (Guest) 차 색깔이 참 곱네요.
Pronunciation: (Guest) cha saek-kkal-i cham gom-ne-yo.
Meaning: (Guest) The color of the tea is very beautiful. - Expression: (Guest) 덕분에 좋은 시간을 보냈습니다.
Pronunciation: (Guest) deok-bu-ne jo-eun si-ga-neul bo-naet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Guest) Thanks to you, I had a wonderful time. - Expression: (Guest) 차와 다과 모두 정말 맛있었습니다.
Pronunciation: (Guest) cha-wa da-gwa mo-du jeong-mal ma-sit-seot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Guest) Both the tea and the snacks were truly delicious. - Expression: (Guest) 어떻게 이렇게 차를 잘 우리세요?
Pronunciation: (Guest) eo-tteo-ke i-reo-ke cha-reul jal u-ri-se-yo?
Meaning: (Guest) How do you brew tea so well? - Expression: (Host) 별말씀을요. 맛있게 드셨다니 기쁩니다.
Pronunciation: (Host) byeol-mal-sseu-meul-yo. ma-sit-ge deu-syeot-da-ni gi-ppeum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Host) Not at all. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points enhances your appreciation of Korean tea etiquette.
- Holding the Teacup: Traditionally, the teacup is held with two hands, especially during formal occasions or when receiving tea from an elder or superior. One hand supports the bottom while the other gently holds the side.
- Pouring Tea: When pouring for others, especially elders, support the pouring arm’s elbow or wrist with the other hand as a sign of respect. Avoid filling the cup to the brim; about 70-80% full is customary.
- Receiving Tea: When someone pours tea for you, it’s polite to lift your cup slightly or hold it with both hands to receive it. A slight nod or verbal “감사합니다” (Thank you) is appropriate.
- Drinking Pace: Tea is meant to be savored. Drink slowly, appreciating the color, aroma, and taste. Avoid slurping loudly, although a quiet appreciation is acceptable. Wait for the host or the eldest person to drink first.
- Focus and Atmosphere: Korean tea ceremonies emphasize mindfulness and tranquility. Avoid loud conversation or distractions. Focus on the present moment, the tea, and the company.
Real Conversation Example
This conversation demonstrates basic tea etiquette in a home setting.
Situation: Person B is visiting Person A’s home, and Person A is serving tea.
Roles:
* A: Host
* B: Guest
- Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 편하게 앉으세요. 제가 차를 준비할게요.
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. pyeon-ha-ge an-jeu-se-yo. je-ga cha-reul jun-bi-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: A: Welcome. Please sit comfortably. I’ll prepare some tea. - Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 초대해 주셔서 감사해요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. cho-dae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-hae-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, thank you. Thank you for inviting me. - Expression: A: 별말씀을요. 자, 녹차인데 한번 드셔보세요.
Pronunciation: A: byeol-mal-sseu-meul-yo. ja, nok-cha-in-de han-beon deu-syeo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Not at all. Here, it’s green tea, please try some. - Expression: B: (Receiving the cup with both hands) 와, 색깔이 정말 예쁘네요. 잘 마시겠습니다.
Pronunciation: B: (Receiving the cup with both hands) wa, saek-kkal-i jeong-mal ye-ppeu-ne-yo. jal ma-si-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Wow, the color is really pretty. I will drink it well. - Expression: A: 천천히 드세요. 다과도 좀 드시고요.
Pronunciation: A: cheon-cheon-hi deu-se-yo. da-gwa-do jom deu-si-go-yo.
Meaning: A: Please drink slowly. Have some snacks too. - Expression: B: (Takes a sip) 음, 향이 정말 좋아요. 맛도 아주 부드럽네요.
Pronunciation: B: (Takes a sip) eum, hyang-i jeong-mal jo-a-yo. mat-do a-ju bu-deu-reom-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Mmm, the aroma is really nice. The taste is very smooth too. - Expression: A: 입에 맞으신다니 다행이네요. 더 필요하시면 말씀하세요.
Pronunciation: A: i-be ma-jeu-sin-da-ni da-haeng-i-ne-yo. deo pil-yo-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: A: I’m glad it suits your taste. Please let me know if you need more. - Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 덕분에 차 맛을 제대로 즐기네요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. deok-bu-ne cha ma-seul je-dae-ro jeul-gi-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, thank you. Thanks to you, I’m really enjoying the taste of the tea.
Practice Tips
Learning tea etiquette involves more than just words~! Try watching videos of Korean tea ceremonies (darye) to observe the movements and atmosphere. If you visit Korea, consider participating in a tea ceremony experience program. Practice the phrases with friends or language partners. Remember, showing respect and appreciation is key when enjoying tea with others. Enjoy your tea time!
