sand
On'yomi (音読み)
- サ
- シャ
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
- すな
- よなげる
About this kanji
The kanji 「沙」 primarily means "sand" and is often used in its noun form. It can relate to sandy landscapes or fine grains. You will see it in several compounds, such as ご無沙汰 (gobusata), which means "not writing or contacting for a while," and 沙汰 (sata), meaning "affair" or "matter." Another interesting compound is 沙門 (shamon), referring to a wandering monk or ascetic. When you encounter this kanji, remember its connection to the natural world, as it evokes images of softness and earthiness, helping you visualize its meaning.
Example sentences
沙の上に足跡を残す。
Leaving footprints on the sand.
Meanings across languages
- English
- sand
- Tiếng Việt
- cát
- 日本語
- 砂
- 한국어
- 모래
- 中文
- 沙子
- id
- pasir
- th
- ทราย
- es
- arena
- fr
- sable
- de
- Sand
- pt
- areia
Common compounds
- ご無沙汰ごぶさたnot writing or contacting for a while, neglecting (failing) to write (call, visit, etc.), long silence
- 沙汰さたaffair, state, incident
- 沙門しゃもんshramana (wandering monk)
- 沙蚕ごかいragworm, sandworm, clam worm (Hediste)
- 沙弥しゃみmale Buddhist novice
- 沙羅しゃらsal (tree) (Shorea robusta), saul, Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia)
- 沙虫いさごむしcaddis worm, caddis-worm (caddisfly larva)
- 沙穀サゴsago (edible sago palm starch)
Want to actually learn this kanji?
The dictionary is one view. The Kanji 360 app wraps every character with mnemonic images, audio readings, stroke-order animation, story context, and SRS scheduling — free to start on iPhone, iPad, and Android.