Cupping vocabulary in Mandarin
Twenty words that make a tasting work.
The core
乾淨 (clean), 甜 (sweet), 酸 (acid), 苦 (bitter), 澀 (astringent), 厚 (body), 尾韻 (finish), 回甘 (returning sweetness).
These eight carry most conversations. Everything else is elaboration.
Vocabulary is not a test. It is a way to point at the same cup together.
Asking questions
發酵味 (fermented) is neutral, not an insult. 焙味 (roasty) is usually a mild criticism. 土味 (earthy) is rarely a compliment.
If you like something, say 我喜歡這個. It ends more conversations well than any technical remark.
Disclosure: this article contains no affiliate links. Prices and dates checked in October 2026. Our methodology.