distinction, difference, variation, discrepancy

About this kanji

The kanji 差 (さ) primarily means "difference" or "distinction." It is commonly used as a noun in compounds. For example, 格差 (かくさ) refers to a qualitative difference, often used in discussions about social inequality. 差益 (さえき) translates to "marginal profits," relevant in business contexts. Another important compound is 差別 (さべつ), which means "discrimination," highlighting social differences. Additionally, 大差 (たいさ) represents a "great difference" between things. When using 差, it's important to consider the context, as it can relate to both numerical differences and social issues.

Example sentences

• その教育に差がある。

  There is a gap in that education.

Meanings across languages

English

distinction, difference, variation, discrepancy, margin, balance

Tiếng Việt

khác biệt, biên độ

日本語

差, 違い

한국어

구별, 차이

中文

差异, 差别

id

perbedaan

th

ความแตกต่าง

es

distinción

fr

distinction

de

Unterscheidung

pt

distinção

Common compounds

• 格差かくさqualitative difference, disparity, gap
• 差益さえきmarginal profits
• 差別さべつdistinction, differentiation, discrimination
• 大差たいさgreat difference, big difference, wide margin
• 偏差値へんさちdeviation value (usu. scaled to mean of 50, standard deviation of 10, and often used for academic grades), deviation, T-score
• 差し止めさしとめprohibition, ban, suspension
• 誤差ごさmeasurement error, calculation error
• 交差こうさcrossing, intersection, (genetic) crossing over