saa1砂
Jyutpingsaa1
Yalesā
Definition
Sand, grit, or small particles.
neutralother
How it's used
While 沙 is the standard character for sand, 砂 is reserved for specific compound nouns, particularly those related to processed materials or fine granular substances. It is rarely used as a standalone noun in daily speech, as 沙 is preferred for natural sand found on beaches or in construction. You will mostly encounter it in technical or culinary terms like 砂糖 or 砂紙.
Examples
This bag of sugar is very sweet, use a little less.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 砂 as a general replacement for 沙. Using 砂 to describe beach sand or sand in a sandbox will sound unnatural or even like a typo to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
