Food & Drink
VIDEO: Speakin‘ Japanese lesson: Is this Matcha?
Stripes Japan November 7, 2024
Tea is an important part of daily life in Japan and an indispensable part of washoku Japanese cuisine. When you get into a tea shop in Japan, you might be surprised to see countless variations of teas.
Remember this Japanese phrase and ask a clerk to make sure if it is a right tea that you want before buying tea for a souvenir.
“korewa matcha desuka?” これは抹茶ですか? = Is this matcha?
“korewa .. desuka?” これは・・ですか? = is this..?, “matcha” 抹茶 = matcha
You can also say:
“Korewa ryokucha desuka? これは緑茶ですか? = is this green tea?
“Korewa hojicha desuka? これはほうじ茶ですか? = is this roasted tea?
The clerk might reply to you like:
“Hai, korewa matcha desu.” = “Yes, this is matcha.”
“Iie, Korewa matcha dewa arimasen.” = “No, this isn’t matcha.”
Enjoy tasty Japanese tea either in matcha, ryokucha (green tea) or hojicha (roasted tea)!