unknown, 9 strokes, radical 石, rank #17217, Very Hard
shā(sha1) T1
1sand, pebbles, gravel; gritty
2granule
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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#17217DifficultyVery Hard
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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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.
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.
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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1The giveawayMany small 少 stones 石; 少 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 砂? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 砂?
Decomposition of 砂
IDS Structure⿰石少
砂Full Character
=
石dan4
left
少shao3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 砂?
How to say sand, pebbles, gravel; gritty in Chinese
“sand, pebbles, gravel; gritty” in Chinese is砂shā
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.
When to use 砂
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'.
砂 or something close to it
沙 (shā, sand) vs 碎石 (suìshí, gravel) — use 砂 for finer, loose particles, while 碎石 refers specifically to crushed stone.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 砂
砂
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Practice writing 砂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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.
