Translation and Meaning of: 差 - sa

The Japanese word 差[さ] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from differences to intervals and margins. Whether you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage and cultural context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 差[さ], as well as tips for memorization and examples from everyday life.

Meaning and use of 差[さ]

差[さ] is a noun that generally refers to a difference, disparity, or interval between two things. It can be used in mathematical contexts, such as in calculations of differences between numbers, or in everyday situations to compare distinct characteristics. For example, when talking about the height difference between two people, you can use 差[さ] to clearly express that idea.

Additionally, 差[さ] also appears in compound expressions, such as 温度差[おんどさ] (temperature difference) or 年齢差[ねんれいさ] (age difference). These combinations are common and help specify the type of difference being discussed, making the word even more useful in everyday conversations.

Origin and etymology of 差[さ]

The kanji 差 is composed of the radical 工 (work) and 左 (left), suggesting an idea of deviation or divergence. Historically, this character was used in China before being incorporated into Japanese, maintaining its core meaning of difference or distinction. The reading さ (sa) is one of the kun'yomi forms, that is, the native Japanese pronunciation associated with the kanji.

It is worth noting that 差[さ] is not an old or obsolete word. On the contrary, it continues to be widely used in modern Japanese, both in formal and informal language. Its presence in academic texts, news, and everyday conversations proves its relevance over the years.

Tips for memorizing 差[さ]

An effective way to fix the meaning of 差[さ] is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of examples like the price difference between two products or the time interval between two events. Creating flashcards with practical sentences can also help, especially if you are using apps like Anki for review.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanji 差 in compound words. Observing how it appears in terms like 差別[さべつ] (discrimination) or 差し支え[さしつかえ] (obstacle) reinforces its central meaning of "difference" or "divergence". The more familiar you become with these uses, the more natural it will be to remember the word.

Curiosities about 差[さ]

In some regional dialects of Japan, 差[さ] may have slight variations in pronunciation, but its meaning remains the same. Additionally, this word is not usually used in isolation in proverbs or idiomatic expressions, but its presence in technical and everyday terms makes it indispensable.

An interesting fact is that 差[さ] can also appear in abstract contexts, such as in discussions about social inequality or variations in opinion. In these cases, it carries significant weight, showing how an apparently simple word can have deep layers of meaning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 違い (chigai) - Difference in general; difference of opinion or state.
• 差異 (sai) - Difference or discrepancy; used to indicate subtle variations.
• 相違 (soui) - Divergence; emphasizes the difference between two or more compared items.
• 差分 (sahen) - Decrease or difference between sets or values; used in mathematical contexts.
• 差異点 (saiiten) - Point of difference; refers to aspects or elements that differ in something.

差

Romaji: sa
Kana: さ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: difference; variation

Meaning in English: difference;variation

Definition: Different things. difference.

Example Sentences - (差) sa

See below some example sentences:

差別は許されません。

Sabetsu wa yurusaremasen

Discrimination is not allowed.

Discrimination is not allowed.

• 差別 - discrimination
• は - Topic particle
• 許されません - not allowed

人差し指で指し示す。

Hitosashiyubi de sashishimesu

Point with the index finger.

Point with your index finger.

• 人 (hito) - person
• 差し指 (sashiyubi) - Index finger
• で (de) - with
• 指し示す (sashimesasu) - to point

格差が社会問題として深刻化している。

Kakusa ga shakai mondai to shite shinkokuka shite iru

Inequality is becoming a serious social problem.

The gap is becoming more serious as a social problem.

• 格差 - inequality
• が - subject particle
• 社会 - society
• 問題 - problem
• として - how
• 深刻化 - worsening
• している - It's running

人種差別は許されない。

Jinshu sabetsu wa yurusarenai

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

• 人種差別 - Racial discrimination
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - Not allowed

交差点で右に曲がってください。

Kousaten de migi ni magatte kudasai

Please turn right at the intersection.

Turn right at the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• で - is a particle that indicates the place where the action takes place, in this case, "at the intersection".
• 右に - means "to the right" in Japanese.
• 曲がって - is the verb "curver" in the present tense and in the form -te, which indicates a continuous action.
• ください - is a polite way of asking for something in Japanese, in this case, "please turn to the right."

交差点には注意してください。

Kousaten ni wa chuui shite kudasai

Please pay attention at the intersection.

Be careful with the intersection.

• 交差点 - means "crossing" in Japanese.
• に - is a particle that indicates the location of the object of the sentence, in this case, the intersection.
• は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the attention warning.
• 注意 - means "attention" in Japanese.
• してください - is an expression that means "please do" or "please pay attention."

この物差しで長さを測ってください。

Kono monosashi de nagasa wo hakatte kudasai

Please measure the length with this ruler.

Measure the length with this ruler.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物差し - noun meaning "ruler"
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used to carry out the action
• 長さ - noun meaning "length"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 測って - verb "測る" in the affirmative imperative, which means "to measure"
• ください - verb "くださる" in the affirmative imperative, which means "please"

差額は返金されます。

Sagaku wa henkin saremasu

The difference will be refunded.

• 差額 - value difference
• は - Topic particle
• 返金 - refund
• されます - passive form of the verb "to be done"

彼は窓に手を差し伸べた。

Kare wa mado ni te o sashino beta

He reached out to the window.

He reached out to the window.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 窓 (mado) - window
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 手 (te) - HAND
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 差し伸べた (sashino beta) - Extended (verb)

私はあなたにこのプレゼントを差し上げます。

Watashi wa anata ni kono purezento wo sashiageru

I will give you this gift.

I will give you this gift.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• あなた (anata) - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the recipient of the action, in this case "to you"
• この (kono) - demonstrative adjective meaning "this"
• プレゼント (purezento) - noun meaning "gift"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "the present"
• 差し上げます (sashiagemasu) - verb meaning "to give", in the sense of offering something with respect or humility