Teahouse

/ˈtiːhaʊs/ noun

Definition

A small restaurant or café where people gather to drink tea and socialize, especially common in Asia.

Etymology

Simple compound: 'tea' (from Chinese 'cha') plus 'house.' Tea became a social institution in China and Japan centuries ago, leading to dedicated establishments where people could meet and drink various types of tea.

Kelly Says

Japanese teahouses aren't just about the tea—they're about the entire experience called 'chanoyu' (the way of tea), with specific rituals, aesthetics, and philosophy built in. Visiting a traditional teahouse is like stepping into a completely different world with its own rules.

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