砂 — meaning in English: sand

suna · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for sand

サッカー

sakkā

砂

suna

プロセッサ

purosessa

数量

sūryō

自然

shizen

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 砂 (suna) when talking about beaches, deserts, or construction sites. For example, you might hear it in a conversation about planning a beach picnic or when discussing the materials needed for a sandcastle competition.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 砂 (suna) is 粘土 (nendo), which means 'clay.' While 砂 refers specifically to loose granules found on beaches or deserts, 粘土 is denser and used primarily for pottery and bricks. In instances where you need to describe a fine, loose material, 砂 is the better choice.

Culture

The word 砂 (suna) has deep-rooted connections to Japanese culture, particularly in art and literature, where sand is often a symbol of impermanence and the transient nature of life. Additionally, during the Edo period, sand gardens became a popular way to represent landscapes in miniature, showcasing the aesthetic appreciation of nature's elements.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 砂?

The correct pronunciation of 砂 is 'suna.' It is important to note that the 'su' is pronounced with a soft 's,' followed by a short 'na.'

Q.How do you use 砂 in a sentence?

You can use 砂 in a sentence like 'ビーチにはたくさんの砂があります' (Bīchi ni wa takusan no suna ga arimasu), which means 'There is a lot of sand at the beach.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes in using 砂?

One common mistake is confusing 砂 (suna) with 土 (tsuchi), which means 'soil' or 'earth.' While both refer to materials found in nature, 砂 specifically denotes sand, which is finer and more granular.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000