Japanese word of the day: 茶道 (Sadou)

What does 茶道 (Sadou) mean?

茶道 (Sadou) (noun) — The Japanese tea ceremony, literally "the way of tea." It is a traditional cultural practice centered on the ceremonial preparation and presentation of powdered green tea (matcha). 茶道 is much more than making tea; it’s a spiritual and aesthetic discipline that embodies hospitality, mindfulness, and deep respect for nature and others.

Kanji details 茶 and 道

Character:　茶 — tea
Radical: grass 艸 (艹)

Example sentences with 茶道 (Sadou)

• 私は茶道を習っています。
  (Watashi wa sadō o naratteimasu.)
  🍵 I am learning the Japanese tea ceremony.

• 茶道は日本の伝統文化です。
  (Sadō wa Nihon no dentō bunka desu.)
  🎎 The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese culture.

• 茶道の精神は和敬清寂です。
  (Sadō no seishin wa wa-kei-sei-jaku desu.)
  🕊️ The spirit of tea ceremony is harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

茶道 (Sadou) in context

茶道, also called chadō, means "the way (道) of tea (茶)." It is a centuries-old ceremonial practice rooted in Zen Buddhism and Japanese aesthetics. The ceremony involves precise, graceful movements to prepare and serve matcha in a traditional tearoom, creating a calm and respectful atmosphere distinct from everyday life.

茶道 is not just about drinking tea; it is a meditative experience that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the present moment, captured in the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e ("one time, one meeting"). Each tea gathering is unique and should be treasured as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.