乌龙茶 (wū lóng chá)

noun HSK 5

Traditional 烏龍茶

wū lóng chá

oolong tea

Meaning

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is partially oxidized, falling between green tea and black tea in processing. It originated in Fujian Province and is known for its complex flavor profile and aromatic qualities. The name literally means 'black dragon tea.'

Usage

This word is used when ordering tea at restaurants, discussing tea varieties, or shopping for tea. It's a standard term for this specific tea category and is widely recognized across Chinese-speaking regions. Oolong tea is particularly associated with tea culture in Fujian and Taiwan.

Examples

01
我特别喜欢喝乌龙茶，它的味道比绿茶浓，但不像红茶那么苦。
Wǒ tèbié xǐhuan hē wū lóng chá, tā de wèidào bǐ lǜ chá nóng, dàn bù xiàng hóng chá nàme kǔ.
I especially like drinking oolong tea; its flavor is stronger than green tea but not as bitter as black tea.
02
服务员，请给我们来一壶乌龙茶。
Fúwùyuán, qǐng gěi wǒmen lái yī hú wū lóng chá.
Waiter, please bring us a pot of oolong tea.

Characters

Measure words

杯bēi一杯乌龙茶
壶hú一壶乌龙茶
种zhǒng一种乌龙茶

Common collocations

喝乌龙茶
hē wū lóng chá
to drink oolong tea
泡乌龙茶
pào wū lóng chá
to brew oolong tea
一壶乌龙茶
yī hú wū lóng chá
a pot of oolong tea

Origin

The name 'black dragon tea' has several origin stories. One legend says a tea farmer was frightened away by a black snake (which he thought was a dragon) while processing tea, and when he returned, the partially oxidized leaves had developed a unique flavor.