Chai and chia are two words that are close in spelling and pronunciation and may be considered confusables. We will examine the different meanings of the confusables chai and chia, the word origins of the terms, and some examples of their English usage in sentences.
Chai is a sweetened black tea flavored with spices and milk. Popular in India, the consumption of chai tea has spread throughout the world. The word chai is derived from the Arabic word, cha, which means tea.
Chia is an herb that is a member of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The tiny chia seeds are touted for their healthful properties, including lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. The word chia is derived from the Mayan word, chiháan, which means strengthening.
Examples
Melt-in-your-mouth tea cake recipes to go with your evening chai (Hindustan Times)
“I can’t start my day without chai, and have been drinking it since I was 15 years old,” Vangani recently told SF Weekly. (San Francisco Weekly)
Chia seeds are tiny flaxseeds that grow in South America and are known as a superfood due to their many associated health benefits, such as improved mood, gut health and skin. (Daily Californian)
In the video, they claim, “chia seeds expand in your stomach and form a thick gel … reducing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness … which can help you stay in a calorie deficit.” (Shape Magazine)