茶壶 (chá hú) literally combines 茶 (chá), meaning 'tea', and 壶 (hú), meaning 'pot' or 'kettle'. Together, it refers specifically to a vessel designed for brewing and serving tea—typically with a spout, handle, and lid. Unlike generic containers, a 茶壶 is often made from materials like clay (e.g., Yixing zisha), porcelain, or glass, and its shape and craftsmanship can affect the flavor and temperature of the tea.

This word is commonly used in everyday contexts involving tea preparation, hospitality, and traditional Chinese tea culture. It appears in homes, teahouses, and ceremonies—not as a decorative object alone, but as a functional tool central to the tea-drinking experience. While modern electric kettles boil water, a 茶壶 is used *after* boiling, to steep leaves and pour the infusion. Its usage implies intentionality and care in serving tea, not just holding liquid.