About
沙 (shā) is a phonosemantic compound: the water radical 氵 (shuǐ) indicates the semantic field, and the component 少 (shǎo, 'few, little') suggests the pronunciation. The water connection is motivated by sand's tendency to wash up and gather on riverbanks, lake shores, and ocean beaches. In its primary sense, 沙 denotes the loose, granular material, tiny grains of crushed rock and minerals, that we know as sand or fine gravel. The rough, scattered texture of these grains led to figurative meanings, so 沙 can also describe a hoarse, raspy voice or the gritty quality of certain foods.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这里的沙子很细。
我喜欢去沙滩玩。
沙漠里非常干燥。
今天北京有沙尘暴。
这个沙漏计时很准。
科学家正在研究沙漠化的原因。
尽管沙滩上人很多，但他还是找到了一个安静的地方。
为了防止土壤沙化，当地居民种植了大量耐旱植物。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.