茶屋
Meanings
Historically, a place for travelers to rest and drink tea, especially during the Edo period. In modern contexts, can refer to a traditional Japanese tea house or a casual rest spot.
There were many teahouses along the Tōkaidō road.
I found an old teahouse in the tourist area.
geisha teahouse; establishment with geisha entertainment
Specifically refers to a traditional establishment where geisha entertain guests. Often called お茶屋 in Kyoto. Distinct from a simple tea-serving place.
See also: お茶屋
In Kyoto's geisha districts, teahouses still line the streets.
He talked with a geisha at the teahouse.
tea shop; tea dealer
A shop that sells tea leaves or tea-related products. Less common than お茶屋さん in everyday speech, but still used in business names.
I bought matcha at that tea shop.
The local tea dealer is selling new tea.
Usage patterns
- 茶屋を営むto run a teahouse
My grandfather ran a small teahouse at the mountain pass.
- 〈場所〉の茶屋で休むto rest at a teahouse in a certain place
The travelers took a short rest at the teahouse on the mountain pass.
- 茶屋の女将the proprietress of a teahouse
The proprietress of this teahouse has long been well known locally.