Milk Tea in Chinese: How to Say It, Make It, and Enjoy Its Culture

Craving bubble tea and wondering how to say milk tea in Chinese? The word is 奶茶 (nǎichá)—a delicious mix of tea and milk that has become a global sensation. In this guide, you’ll learn how to pronounce it, explore popular varieties like Taiwanese bubble tea and Hong Kong-style milk tea, and discover its role in Chinese tea culture. Whether you’re a language learner, a foodie, or planning a trip to Asia, this article will help you connect with both the drink and the language.

What Is Milk Tea in Chinese?

The phrase milk tea in Chinese is written as 奶茶 (nǎichá), where 奶 (nǎi) means “milk” and 茶 (chá) means “tea.” Together, it simply refers to any beverage that combines tea with milk.

Some popular variations include:

• 珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá) – Bubble tea or boba tea with tapioca pearls.
• 港式奶茶 (gǎngshì nǎichá) – Hong Kong-style milk tea, often made with evaporated or condensed milk.
• 抹茶奶茶 (mǒchá nǎichá) – Matcha milk tea with a Japanese influence.

How to Pronounce Nǎichá

The word nǎichá is pronounced like “nigh-cha”, with the first syllable in the third tone, and the third syllable in the fourth tone.

奶 (nǎi) – “nigh,” pronounced with a dip then rise.

茶 (chá) – “cha,” also with a dip then rise.

Practicing pronunciation is key! Try repeating nǎichá slowly, then naturally, to get the tone flow right.

Types of Milk Tea in Chinese Culture

Milk tea is not just one drink—it’s a whole category across Asia. Here are some famous types:

珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá) – Bubble Tea

Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea includes chewy tapioca pearls and can be customized with flavors, toppings, and sugar levels.

港式奶茶 (gǎngshì nǎichá) – Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

Known as “silk stocking milk tea,” this rich and strong tea is filtered multiple times and mixed with evaporated or condensed milk.

抹茶奶茶 (mǒchá nǎichá) – Matcha Milk Tea

Blending Japanese matcha with Chinese tea culture, this version is popular among health-conscious drinkers.

Cultural Significance of Milk Tea

Tea is a crucial element in Chinese culture. With all kinds of different types of tea, it is a drink in everyday life. Added with milk, the special combination of milk tea is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural icon:

Taiwanese bubble tea has spread worldwide, symbolizing Asian food innovation.

Hong Kong milk tea is recognized as part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.

Social life: In Taiwan’s night markets or Hong Kong’s tea restaurants, ordering milk tea is a daily ritual.

Compared to Western tea culture (like British afternoon tea with fresh milk), Chinese-style milk tea often uses condensed milk, pearls, or creative flavors, making it unique and playful.

How to Order Milk Tea in Chinese

Here are some handy phrases you can use when ordering milk tea:

• 我要一杯珍珠奶茶。 Wǒ yào yī bēi zhēnzhū nǎichá. – I want a cup of bubble tea.
• 请少糖。 Qǐng shǎo táng. – Please make it less sweet.
• 可以加冰吗？ Kěyǐ jiā bīng ma? – Can you add ice?

Pro Tip: Add a smile or a polite “谢谢 (xièxiè, thank you)” to make your order sound friendlier.

Health Tips for Enjoying Milk Tea

Milk tea is delicious, but it can be high in sugar and calories. Health experts often warn that too much bubble tea may contribute to weight gain. To enjoy it more responsibly:

Choose fresh milk instead of non-dairy creamer.

Ask for less sugar (shǎo táng 少糖).

Try fruit-based or tea-heavy options for a lighter drink.

Practice Your Chinese with Milk Tea

Make milk tea your language-learning buddy! Here are some quick exercises:

1. Fill in the blank: You want bubble tea with less sugar. You say: Wǒ yào yī bēi zhēnzhū nǎichá, qǐng ____. (Answer: shǎo táng 少糖).
2. Pronunciation drill: Repeat nǎichá five times and record yourself. Compare with the audio above.
3. Cultural challenge: Next time you order bubble tea, try saying it in Mandarin!

Final words

Now you know that milk tea in Chinese is 奶茶 (nǎichá), a simple word with a rich culture behind it. From Taiwanese bubble tea to Hong Kong milk tea, each version tells a story about tradition and modern life.

Ready to say nǎichá like a native and dive deeper into Chinese culture? Join WuKong Education’s Mandarin courses to learn essential phrases for travel, dining, and daily life. 

Mao Ying | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree in International Chinese Education from Peking University. Dedicated to the field of Chinese language education, with 7 years of experience as an international Chinese language teacher.