Pouring tea is a subject of study,

and also an attitude towards life.

Let's learn some common knowledge about pouring tea.

First, the tea set must be clean. After guests enter the room, first invite them to sit, then prepare tea. Before brewing tea, be sure to wash the tea set thoroughly, especially if it has not been used for a long time and may have accumulated dust or stains. Rinse it carefully with clean water.

Before brewing or pouring tea, it is best to rinse the teapot and cups with hot water. This shows both hygiene and politeness. If you pour tea for guests without caring whether the tea set is clean or not, it is considered impolite. Guests may feel disgusted at the sight of stains on the teapot or cups—how would they be willing to drink your tea? Nowadays, many companies use disposable cups. When pouring tea, remember to place a cup holder under the disposable cup to prevent guests from burning their hands due to the heat, making it difficult for them to hold the cup and drink.

Second, the amount of tea should be appropriate. Starting with the tea leaves, the quantity should be moderate. Neither too much nor too little—too many leaves make the tea too strong, while too few result in a bland taste. If guests indicate their preference for strong or weak tea, brew it according to their taste.

As for pouring tea, whether into large or small cups, it should not be filled to the brim. Overfilling may cause spills, wetting the table, chairs, or floor. Accidentally, it could also scald the hands or feet of yourself or your guests, creating an awkward situation. Of course, it should not be poured too little either. If the tea only covers the bottom of the cup when served, it may give the impression of being insincere or pretentious.

Third, the method of serving tea matters. According to traditional Chinese customs, tea should be served with both hands, unless one is physically unable to do so. However, some young people today are unaware of this etiquette and simply hand the tea to guests with one hand. When serving tea with both hands, pay attention: for cups with handles, hold the handle with one hand and support the base with the other while offering it to the guest.

Additionally, for handleless cups that become hot after being filled, it may be difficult to hold with both hands. Some people might carelessly pinch the rim of the cup with their fingers and hand it to the guest. While this method prevents burns, it is unsightly and unhygienic. Imagine the guest's lips touching the host's finger marks—how pleasant would that be?

Finally, regarding refilling tea: if your superior or client's cup needs a refill, it is your duty to do so. You can signal a waiter to refill it or leave the teapot on the table and refill it yourself, which is even better—this can be a good way to cover up moments when you don't know what to say. Of course, when refilling, serve your superior and clients first, and yourself last.