Çay
nounTop 100
Pronunciation: /chai/
English Meaning
Tea
“Çay” in Example Sentences
Çay sıcak, dikkat et.
The tea is hot, be careful.
İki çay alabilir miyiz?
Can we get two teas?
Çayınız açık mı olsun, demli mi?
Would you like your tea weak or strong?
Common Forms & Phrases
| Turkish | English |
|---|---|
| çayı | the tea (object) |
| çaylar | teas |
| çaycı | tea maker / tea seller |
Commonly Used With (Collocations)
Çay demlemekÇay içmekBir bardak çayÇay bahçesi
Grammar & Usage
After a number the noun stays singular: 'bir çay' (one tea), 'iki çay' (two teas). A homonym 'çay' also means 'stream, brook' — context makes the meaning clear.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Chinese 'chá' (tea), which reached Turkish through Persian 'čāy'.
Cultural Context
Turkey has one of the highest per-capita tea consumption rates in the world. Tea is brewed in a stacked double teapot (çaydanlık) and served in small tulip-shaped glasses; you will be offered it in homes, shops and offices as a sign of hospitality.
Keep Learning
- Beginner Basics flashcardsPractise “Çay” with the Common Objects & People words
- Food & Dining flashcardsPractise “Çay” with the Drinks (İçecekler) words
- Noun Cases (İsim Halleri)Grammar lesson · Nouns & Noun Phrases
- Possessive SuffixesGrammar lesson · Nouns & Noun Phrases
- Turkish Tea (Çay): Words, Rituals and EtiquetteGuide · read more about this topic
- Turkish-English DictionaryBrowse all words A–Z
Related Words from Beginner Basics
Practice “Çay” with Flashcards
Beginner Basics
Master this word along with others in the Common Objects & People category.