龙井
lóng jǐng
Dragon green · trad. 龍井
龙井 (Lóngjǐng), often translated as "Dragon Well," is China's most famous green tea, originating from Hangzhou. It's renowned for its unique flat, jade-green leaves, delicate aroma, and refreshing, slightly sweet taste. When people refer to "dragon green" in a Chinese context, they are usually talking about this iconic tea.
When to use it
Neutral. It's commonly ordered in restaurants, tea houses, or purchased as a gift. While 龙井 refers to the tea, you often add 茶 (chá) to make it 龙井茶 for clarity, especially when ordering.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “LONG-jing.” The first syllable “Long” is a high, flat tone, and the second syllable “Jing” is a dipping-rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 龙井茶lóng jǐng cháLongjing tea (most common way to refer to the tea)
- 西湖龙井xī hú lóng jǐngWest Lake Longjing (specifies the most famous origin)
- 绿茶lǜ chágreen tea (general category)
Examples
我想点一杯龙井茶。
wǒ xiǎng diǎn yì bēi lóng jǐng chá 。
I'd like to order a cup of Longjing tea.
这茶是正宗的西湖龙井吗？
zhè chá shì zhèng zōng de xī hú lóng jǐng ma ？
Is this tea authentic West Lake Longjing?
龙井是中国十大名茶之一。
lóng jǐng shì zhōng guó shí dà míng chá zhī yī 。
Longjing is one of China's top ten famous teas.
Pro tip: Longjing tea is traditionally served in a clear glass, not a ceramic teapot, so you can appreciate the beautiful unfurling of its flat leaves as it brews.
Related phrases
龙 · Dragon饺子 · Dumpling金龙 · Gold dragon
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