Offering to make tea for others
Informal Polite
What it really means
An unwritten rule of British homes and offices: when you get up to make yourself a tea or coffee, you offer to make one for everyone nearby — "Anyone want a brew?" Making one just for yourself in front of others is quietly noted. Learning everyone's tea order (milk? sugar?) wins real affection.
Chinese explanation
英国家庭和办公室的不成文规矩：起身给自己泡茶或咖啡时，要顺便问周围的人——"Anyone want a brew?"（有人要喝茶吗？）当着大家的面只给自己泡一杯，别人嘴上不说心里有数。记住每个人的口味（加奶？加糖？）能赢得真感情。
Example conversation
A: I'm putting the kettle on — anyone want a brew?
B: Ooh, yes please. Milk, no sugar.
A: Coming right up.
A：我去烧水——有人要喝茶吗？
B：哦，要要要。加奶不加糖。
A：马上就来。
What you could say back
Related phrases
Go deeper
All Customs & Etiquette
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake