noun
Uncommon
cha
chah
Cha (noun) means informal British word for tea. Example: “Fancy a cup of cha?”
noun
1
Informal British word for tea.
"Fancy a cup of cha?"
"He put the kettle on for some cha after the match."
"My nan always says there is nothing a good strong cha cannot fix."
How to use cha
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, chiefly British slang word for tea.
When to use it
Informal and mostly used in the UK; not standard in American English.
Common pairings
cup of cha
brew some cha
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Word forms
- Plural
- chas
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Fancy a cup of _____?
Etymology
From Chinese cha (茶, "tea"), which spread into English through Cantonese and Hindustani/Persian routes — a doublet of the word "tea," which entered English via a different Chinese dialect.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cha” mean?
The word “cha” means informal British word for tea. In plain terms, a casual, chiefly British slang word for tea.
How do you pronounce “cha”?
“Cha” is pronounced chah (/t͡ʃɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “cha” in a sentence?
Here is “cha” used in a sentence: “Fancy a cup of cha?”
What part of speech is “cha”?
“Cha” is a noun.
Where does the word “cha” come from?
The word “cha” comes from Persian. From Chinese cha (茶, "tea"), which spread into English through Cantonese and Hindustani/Persian routes — a doublet of the word "tea," which entered English via a different Chinese dialect.
Is “cha” a common word?
“Cha” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is cha formal or informal English?
Cha is informal British slang for tea, and it is not used in formal or written English. It appears mainly in casual spoken conversation, such as offering someone 'a cup of cha.'
What is the difference between cha and tea?
Cha and tea refer to the same drink. Tea is the standard, neutral word used everywhere, while cha is a colloquial British alternative used in casual speech.
Is cha used in other varieties of English besides British?
Cha is primarily associated with informal British usage, though similar-sounding words for tea exist in many other languages and dialects.
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