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March 24, 2026
砂shā(sha1)
The character 砂 (shā) refers to sand or granular materials such as gravel and pebbles. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction, geology, and nature. The nuance of this word can imply a gritty texture, often associated with loose, small particles.
Strokes9Radical石Frequency#17217DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, sand is often associated with landscapes, such as deserts and riverbanks. Sand can also be a significant material in calligraphy and art, where it signifies grounding and natural beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beach where you can feel the soft 砂 (shā) sand between your toes. The character is composed of the radical for 'earth' (土) at the bottom, reminding you that sand comes from the earth, and the upper part suggests the small particles that define its gritty texture.
Meanings of 砂
shā(sha1)
1sand, pebbles, gravel; gritty
2granule
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 砂
砂Simplified
9Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 砂
Podcast: 砂
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AI Study Notes for 砂
Quick Contrast
沙 (shā, sand) vs 碎石 (suìshí, gravel) — use 砂 for finer, loose particles, while 碎石 refers specifically to crushed stone.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beach where you can feel the soft 砂 (shā) sand between your toes. The character is composed of the radical for 'earth' (土) at the bottom, reminding you that sand comes from the earth, and the upper part suggests the small particles that define its gritty texture.
Usage Notes
砂 (shā) is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in construction or environmental discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters; the second tone (shá) has different meanings. Common collocations include 砂石 (shāshí) meaning 'gravel'.
HSK Study Tips
砂 (shā) is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it connects well with other earth-related vocabulary like 土 (tǔ - earth) and 石 (shí - stone). Students should focus on recognizing the character's structure and its practical applications in everyday language.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, sand is often associated with landscapes, such as deserts and riverbanks. Sand can also be a significant material in calligraphy and art, where it signifies grounding and natural beauty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 砂 (shā) with 沙 (shā) due to similar pronunciation. An incorrect sentence might be '我在海边玩沙' (wǒ zài hǎibiān wán shā - I play sand at the beach), when it should specify 砂 if referring to gravel or coarser sand in a construction context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 砂
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Grammar Patterns of 砂
砂 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
把所有切好的蔬菜放入____锅。
Place all the chopped vegetables into a casserole dish.
Example Sentences for 砂 (10)
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1
把所有切好的蔬菜放入砂锅。
bǎ suǒ yǒu qiē hǎo de shū cài fàng rù shā guō。
Place all the chopped vegetables into a casserole dish.
2
恐龙峡谷中的化石都嵌在坚硬的砂岩中。
kǒng lóng xiá gǔ zhōng de huà shí dū qiàn zài jiān yìng de shā yán zhōng。
The fossils at Dinosaur Cove are embedded in hard sandstones.
He lay on the beach, sifting the sand through his fingers.
9
她用砂纸把桌角打磨光了.
tā yòng shā zhǐ bǎ zhuō jiǎo dǎ mó guāng le.
She rounded off the corners of the table with sandpaper.
10
伊格尔砂岩的下部单元是分选良好的岩屑质和海相海绿石质.
yī gé ěr shā yán de xià bù dān yuán shì fēn xuǎn liáng hǎo de yán xiè zhì hé hǎi xiāng hǎi lǜ shí zhì.
The cower unit of the Eagle is a wellsorted lithic and glauconitic marine sandstone.
Cultural Notes for 砂
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, sand is often associated with landscapes, such as deserts and riverbanks. Sand can also be a significant material in calligraphy and art, where it signifies grounding and natural beauty.
Word Family of 砂
Words Containing This Character20
砂shāsand
砂锅casserole砂鍋
砂糖shātánggranulated sugar
砂石sandstone
砂岩sandstone
砂纸sandpaper (i.e. abrasive)砂紙
砂砾grit砂礫
砂浆mortar (building)砂漿
朱砂cinnabar
白砂糖white granulated sugar
砂子sand
砂轮grinding wheel砂輪
砂仁Amomom (fructus Amomi), plant used in Chinese medicine
硼砂borax
铁砂pellets鐵砂
粉砂岩siltstone
油砂oil sand (mining)
镁砂magnesium oxide (refractory material)鎂砂
金刚砂carborundum金剛砂
丹砂cinnabar
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 砂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 砂
砂 (shā) generally refers to coarser sand or gravel, while 沙 (shā) refers to finer sand. Both are used in similar contexts but differ in texture.
Yes, 砂 (shā) can be used in everyday contexts, especially when discussing construction materials, nature, or geography.
You can remember it by associating 'shā' with the sound of waves washing sand on the beach.
