龙井
Lóngjǐng
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.
What does 龙井 (Lóngjǐng) mean?
龙井 (Lóngjǐng) means “dragon green” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “dragon well.”
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LóngjǐngcháLongjing tea (most common way to refer to the tea)
- 西湖龙井Xīhú LóngjǐngWest Lake Longjing (specifies the most famous origin)
- 绿茶lǜchágreen tea (general category)
Examples
我想点一杯龙井茶。
Wǒ xiǎng diǎn yì bēi Lóngjǐngchá.
I'd like to order a cup of Longjing tea.
这茶是正宗的西湖龙井吗？
Zhè chá shì zhèngzōng de Xīhú Lóngjǐng ma?
Is this tea authentic West Lake Longjing?
龙井是中国十大名茶之一。
Lóngjǐng shì Zhōngguó shí dà míngchá 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
喝 · Drink饺子 · Dumpling零食 · Snack
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