gōngdàobēi: 公道杯 - Fairness Pitcher, Justice Cup, Cha Hai

• Keywords: gongdaobei, 公道杯, cha hai, justice cup, fairness pitcher, Chinese tea ceremony, gongfu cha, tea pitcher, serving pitcher, Chinese tea ware, gongfu tea set, what is a fairness pitcher
• Summary: The gōngdàobēi (公道杯), often translated as a “fairness pitcher” or “justice cup,” is an essential piece of Chinese tea ware used in the traditional gongfu cha tea ceremony. This small pitcher serves a crucial function: after brewing, the tea is decanted into the gōngdàobēi before being served into individual cups. This simple step ensures that every guest receives tea of the exact same strength and flavor, reflecting the cultural importance of fairness, hospitality, and respect. It is also commonly known as a chá hǎi (茶海), or “sea of tea.”

• Pinyin (with tone marks): gōngdàobēi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: A small pitcher used in a Chinese tea ceremony to ensure the tea served to all guests is of a consistent strength and flavor.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine you're pouring tea for three friends directly from a teapot. The tea at the bottom of the pot has been steeping the longest and is the strongest. The first cup you pour will be weak, and the last will be strong, possibly even bitter. The 公道杯 solves this. You pour the *entire* infusion from the teapot into the 公道杯 first. This mixes the tea perfectly, so when you serve your friends from this pitcher, everyone gets an identical cup. It's a simple tool with a profound purpose: to be a fair and thoughtful host.

• 公 (gōng): This character means “public,” “common,” or “fair.” It's the same character used in words like 公园 (gōngyuán - public park) and 公司 (gōngsī - public company).
• 道 (dào): This character means “way,” “path,” or “principle.” It carries a philosophical weight, as seen in the word 道家 (Dàojiā - Daoism). Here, it combines with 公 to mean “the principle of fairness.”
• 杯 (bēi): This simply means “cup” or “pitcher.”

When combined, 公道 (gōngdào) means “fairness,” “justice,” or “impartiality.” Therefore, 公道杯 (gōngdàobēi) literally translates to the “fairness cup,” a name that perfectly encapsulates its function and the philosophy behind its use.

• The 公道杯 is more than just a functional piece of teaware; it is a physical manifestation of a core cultural value. The act of using it is a non-verbal signal from the host to the guests that says, “I value each of you equally.” It is a small but significant ritual that reinforces social harmony and demonstrates the host's meticulous care and respect.
• Comparison to Western Culture: In the West, one might use a coffee carafe or a water pitcher. However, these are tools of convenience, designed to hold a large volume and make serving easier. The 公道杯 is a tool of principle. Its primary purpose is not just to hold tea, but to equalize it. While a Western host shows hospitality by offering refreshments, the traditional Chinese host demonstrates it through precise, thoughtful actions that ensure a shared, equal experience for everyone at the table. This reflects a deeper cultural emphasis on collective harmony over individual convenience.
• The use of the 公道杯 is a gesture that builds trust and goodwill. It subtly communicates that the host is thoughtful, principled, and considerate—qualities that are highly valued in Chinese social interactions.

• The 公道杯 is a standard component in any 功夫茶 (gōngfu chá) tea set, used both in formal ceremonies and casual, daily tea sessions among enthusiasts. You will find it in modern tea houses across China, in business settings where tea is served to build relationships, and in the homes of anyone who takes their tea seriously.
• Formal vs. Informal: In a formal setting, its use is non-negotiable and a sign of a properly trained host. In a casual setting among friends, it's still used because it simply makes better, more consistent tea. Skipping it would be seen as lazy or ignorant of proper tea practice.
• Alternative Name: It is very commonly referred to as the 茶海 (cháhǎi), which means “sea of tea.” This name is more descriptive of its function—holding the entire “sea” of tea from one infusion. “公道杯” emphasizes the *why* (fairness), while “茶海” emphasizes the *what* (holding the tea). Both terms are used interchangeably.

• Example 1:
  • 泡好茶以后，请先把茶汤倒进公道杯里。
  • Pinyin: Pào hǎo chá yǐhòu, qǐng xiān bǎ chátāng dào jìn gōngdàobēi lǐ.
  • English: After the tea is brewed, please first pour the tea liquor into the fairness pitcher.
  • Analysis: This is a common instruction during a tea ceremony, clearly stating the function of the 公道杯 in the process.
• Example 2:
  • 这个青瓷公道杯真漂亮，是哪里买的？
  • Pinyin: Zhège qīngcí gōngdàobēi zhēn piàoliang, shì nǎlǐ mǎi de?
  • English: This celadon fairness pitcher is so beautiful, where did you buy it?
  • Analysis: This shows that the 公道杯 is also appreciated as an object of art and craft.
• Example 3:
  • 如果没有公道杯，每个人的茶味道会不一样。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu gōngdàobēi, měi ge rén de chá wèidào huì bù yīyàng.
  • English: If you don't have a fairness pitcher, everyone's tea will taste different.
  • Analysis: A simple sentence explaining the practical reason for the pitcher's existence.
• Example 4:
  • 他把盖碗里的茶水全部倒入公道杯，然后分给客人。
  • Pinyin: Tā bǎ gàivǎn lǐ de cháshuǐ quánbù dàorù gōngdàobēi, ránhòu fēn gěi kèrén.
  • English: He poured all the tea from the gaiwan into the fairness pitcher, and then distributed it to the guests.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the complete action of using a 公道杯.
• Example 5:
  • 使用公道杯是茶道中表示尊重和公平的一种方式。
  • Pinyin: Shǐyòng gōngdàobēi shì chádào zhōng biǎoshì zūnzhòng hé gōngpíng de yī zhǒng fāngshì.
  • English: Using a fairness pitcher is a way to express respect and fairness in the Way of Tea.
  • Analysis: This sentence explicitly connects the object to its underlying cultural values.
• Example 6:
  • 我们也叫它“茶海”，因为所有的茶都先汇集在这里。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yě jiào tā “cháhǎi”, yīnwèi suǒyǒu de chá dōu xiān huìjí zài zhèlǐ.
  • English: We also call it a “cha hai” (sea of tea), because all the tea is first gathered here.
  • Analysis: This example introduces the common synonym, 茶海 (cháhǎi). The target term isn't in bold as it's defining the alternative.
• Example 7:
  • 倒茶时要先用热水温一下公道杯，这样茶汤不会冷掉。
  • Pinyin: Dào chá shí yào xiān yòng rèshuǐ wēn yīxià gōngdàobēi, zhèyàng chátāng bùhuì lěng diào.
  • English: When pouring tea, you should first warm the fairness pitcher with hot water so the tea doesn't get cold.
  • Analysis: This provides a practical tip for using the tool correctly, showing a deeper level of knowledge.
• Example 8:
  • 这套茶具里包含一个茶壶、一个公道杯和六个品茗杯。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tào chájù lǐ bāohán yī ge cháhú, yī ge gōngdàobēi hé liù ge pǐnmíng bēi.
  • English: This tea set includes one teapot, one fairness pitcher, and six tasting cups.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows how the 公道杯 fits into a complete tea set (茶具).
• Example 9:
  • 他的动作很熟练，从茶壶到公道杯，再到茶杯，一气呵成。
  • Pinyin: Tā de dòngzuò hěn shúliàn, cóng cháhú dào gōngdàobēi, zài dào chábēi, yīqìhēchéng.
  • English: His movements are very skilled; from the teapot to the fairness pitcher, then to the teacups, all in one smooth motion.
  • Analysis: This illustrates the fluid, practiced movements associated with the gongfu tea ceremony.
• Example 10:
  • 你看，用公道杯分出来的茶，每一杯的颜色都完全一样。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, yòng gōngdàobēi fēn chūlái de chá, měi yībēi de yánsè dōu wánquán yīyàng.
  • English: Look, the tea served from the fairness pitcher has the exact same color in every cup.
  • Analysis: This highlights the visible, tangible result of using the pitcher, which is easy for a beginner to understand.

• Not a Drinking Cup: The most common mistake for beginners is to think the 公道杯 is a handleless teacup or creamer. It is never drunk from directly. It is exclusively a serving vessel used to transfer tea from the brewing vessel (teapot/gaiwan) to the drinking cups.
• “Justice Cup” is a “False Friend”: While a literal translation, calling it a “justice cup” in English can be misleading. It might sound like a trophy or a legal metaphor. “Fairness pitcher” is a more accurate and less ambiguous translation of its function.
• Thinking It's Optional: In the context of gongfu cha, the 公道杯 is not an optional accessory; it's fundamental. To serve tea directly from the pot to a series of cups is considered improper and shows a lack of care and knowledge.
• Incorrect Usage: Pouring only half the tea from the teapot into the 公道杯 defeats its purpose. The entire infusion must be decanted at once to properly mix the stronger and weaker parts of the brew.

• 功夫茶 (gōngfu chá) - The traditional Chinese tea ceremony where the 公道杯 is an essential tool.
• 茶海 (cháhǎi) - The most common synonym for 公道杯, meaning “sea of tea.”
• 茶具 (chájù) - The general term for a tea set or tea ware.
• 盖碗 (gàiwǎn) - A lidded bowl used for brewing tea, from which the tea is poured into the 公道杯.
• 茶壶 (cháhú) - A teapot, the other common vessel used for brewing.
• 品茗杯 (pǐnmíng bēi) - The small, individual tasting cups that are filled from the 公道杯.
• 茶道 (chádào) - “The Way of Tea,” referring to the broader art, philosophy, and ceremony of tea.
• 公道 (gōngdào) - The adjective/concept of being “fair,” “just,” or “impartial,” which is the root of the pitcher's name.
• 待客之道 (dàikè zhī dào) - “The way of treating guests,” the principles of hospitality, which the use of a 公道杯 exemplifies.