砂・沙・砂子|すなsuna[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N4approx.Common
いさごisago[0]heiban (flat)
Which spelling to use
砂This is the most common written form and the recommended choice for beginners; use it for sand, grit, or fine gravel.
沙沙 is a less common written form of the same word; you may encounter it, but 砂 is the better choice for beginners.
砂子砂子 is a less common written form of the same word; beginners should generally choose 砂 instead.
Definitions
  1. nounsand; grit; fine gravel
    後ろ足うしろあしで砂すなをかけるようなことをした。↗
    He raised his heel against me.
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym真砂まさごWrittenWritten/formal word for fine sand, found chiefly in waka poetry; 「浜の真砂」 is a classic image for countless grains.
  • Related砂子すなごNeutralNeutral word for grains of sand; it also means powdered gold or silver foil, as in 「金砂子」, used for craft decoration.

Use 「砂」 for sand in most contexts. Choose 「真砂」 for fine sand in written or poetic language, and 「砂子」 for gold or silver powder used in craft decoration.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. (すな)岩石がんせきの細こまかい粒つぶ。地球ちきゅう科学かがくの定義ていぎでは、粒径りゅうけいが2 - 1/16mmのもの。
  2. (すな)砂すなのようにざらざらした物もの。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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