濃茶

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 濃茶 is read as こいちゃ and is a noun for thick matcha kneaded to a dense consistency in the tea ceremony.
• Basic usage: Use 丁寧に練られた濃茶 for its preparation and 濃茶の深い味わい for its rich flavor.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Not generic strong tea
  • Here 濃茶 is ceremonial thick matcha, not simply any tea made strong by steeping leaves longer.
• Contrast with 薄茶
  • 薄茶 is comparatively thin whisked matcha, whereas 濃茶 is kneaded thicker and stronger.