Tea: Difference between revisions
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===Etymological observations=== | ===Etymological observations=== | ||
The different words for tea fall into two main groups: "''te''-derived" Min and "''cha''-derived" (Cantonese and Mandarin). | The different words for tea fall into two main groups: "''te''-derived" Min and "''cha''-derived" (Cantonese and Mandarin). The words that various languages use for "tea" reveal where those nations first acquired their tea and tea culture. | ||
* Portuguese traders were the first Europeans to import the herb in large amounts. The Portuguese borrowed their word for tea (''cha'') from Cantonese in the 1550s via their trading posts in the south of China, especially Macau. | * Portuguese traders were the first Europeans to import the herb in large amounts. The Portuguese borrowed their word for tea (''cha'') from Cantonese in the 1550s via their trading posts in the south of China, especially Macau. | ||
* In Central Asia, Mandarin ''cha'' developed into Persian ''chay'', and this form spread with Persian trade and cultural influence. | * In Central Asia, Mandarin ''cha'' developed into Persian ''chay'', and this form spread with Persian trade and cultural influence. | ||