差
差·difference, gap
- On-yomi
- サ
- Kun-yomi
- さす
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 差 | さ | difference, gap |
| 時差 | じさ | time difference |
| 差別 | さべつ | discrimination |
| 差し上げる | さしあげる | to give (humble) |
Example sentences
二人の成績に大きな差があります。
ふたりのせいせきにおおきなさがあります。
There is a big gap between the two students' grades.
日本とインドの時差は何時間ですか。
にほんとインドのじさはなんじかんですか。
What is the time difference between Japan and India?
お茶を差し上げましょうか。
おちゃをさしあげましょうか。
Shall I offer you some tea?
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Using 差 for any difference — 差 is a measurable gap in amount; a difference in kind is 違い
- Reading 時差 as *ときさ
Memory aid
Picture it
A sheaf of grain sitting off-centre over 工 (work) — the parts don't line up, and that offset is the difference.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 差別さべつdiscrimination
- 日差しひざしsunlight
- 差さdifference, gap, margin
- 交差点こうさてんintersection
- 差すさすto hold up (umbrella)
- 差し上げるさしあげるto give (humble)
- 偏差値へんさちdeviation score, standardized test score
- 差し当たりさしあたりfor the present; for now
- 差し支えさしつかえhindrance, inconvenience
- 交差こうさcrossing, intersection
- 人差指ひとさしゆびindex finger, forefinger
- 差し引きさしひきdeduction, subtraction, the balance (after deductions)
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 2 of 5
What does the kanji 差 mean?