also: ちゃよう
noun
tea leaf; tea leaves
Refers to processed or dried tea leaves used for brewing tea.
この茶葉は香りがとてもいい。
These tea leaves have a very nice aroma.
急須に茶葉を入れてお湯を注ぐ。
Put tea leaves in the teapot and pour hot water.
Compound of 茶 (tea) and 葉 (leaf). The reading ちゃば is a standard kun'yomi compound, while ちゃよう is a rare on'yomi variant.