砂

• Reading: すな
• Romaji: suna
• Kanji breakdown: 砂 (suna/sa) — sand; composed of 石 (stone) + 少 (few, small)
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.na/

Meaning

Sand; grit; fine gravel. Small loose grains of worn or crushed rock.

Used in compounds like 砂浜 (sandy beach), 砂漠 (desert), and 砂場 (sandbox/sandpit). When read as さ or しゃ in compounds, it takes on a more formal register. The famous 鳥取砂丘 (Tottori Sand Dunes) is one of Japan's most unique landscapes.

Examples

1. 海辺の砂の上を裸足で歩きました。 I walked barefoot on the sand by the sea.
2. 子供たちが砂場で遊んでいます。 The children are playing in the sandbox.
3. 風で砂が目に入ってしまいました。 Sand got blown into my eyes by the wind.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, beach, playground

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 砂 combines 石 (stone) and 少 (few, small), depicting stone broken down into small, fine particles.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal