1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “沙” (pronounced “sha”) means “sand.” It refers to small grains of rock and mineral particles, commonly found on beaches, deserts, and riverbeds.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “沙” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “sand” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “沙” is “水” (water), which indicates its association with natural elements, as sand is often found in watery environments.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 砂浜 (すなはま, sunahama) – sandy beach
- 砂糖 (さとう, satou) – sugar (literally “sand” + “sweet”)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 海で遊ぶときは、砂がたくさんあります。 (When playing at the beach, there is a lot of sand.)
- この砂はとても細かいです。 (This sand is very fine.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 砂 (さ, sa) – sand (general term)
- 塵 (ちり, chiri) – dust (smaller particles than sand)
Antonyms:
- 水 (みず, mizu) – water (opposite in terms of state; sand is solid while water is liquid)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Sand is often associated with beaches and nature in Japan, playing a role in traditional landscapes and art.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 砂の上に立つ (すなのうえにたつ, suna no ue ni tatsu) – “to stand on sand,” meaning something unstable or unreliable.