The global divide in the word for tea—“cha” and “tea”—stems from historical trade routes. Regions receiving tea via maritime trade, like Europe, use forms of “tea,” influenced by the Min Nan dialect from southern China. Meanwhile, areas introduced through overland routes, such as Central Asia and the Middle East, use variations of “cha.” This linguistic split highlights the cultural exchanges along these routes, with tea serving as a vital part of daily life and tradition in many societies.
