沙
shā
In Chinese, 'sand' is 沙 (shā). Wiktionary also lists 沙子 (shāzi).
Meaning: finely ground rock (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 沙 | shā |
| 沙子 | shāzi |
Both forms refer to finely ground rock. The single-syllable form 沙 is more formal or used in compound words, such as 沙漠 (desert), which literally translates to 'sand river'.
Which one should you use?
The single-syllable form 沙 is more formal or used in compound words, while 沙子 is the common way to refer to the substance in spoken language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix 子 in 沙子 is a common way to turn a monosyllabic noun into a two-syllable noun used in everyday speech.
How do you pronounce it?
shā
Did you know?
- The character 沙 is also used in the word 沙哑 to describe a voice that is 'husky' or 'hoarse', evoking the feeling of sand in the throat.
- In Chinese, the word 沙 is used as an adjective to describe a fruit, like a pear, that has a grainy or gritty texture.
- The term 沙盘 literally means 'sand tray', but it is used in business and military contexts to describe a strategic simulation or 'war game'.
Examples in context
- 他吃了些沙。He ate some sand.This sentence shows how to use 沙 to describe something being eaten.Tatoeba #2694368 by sadhen, translation #1923380 by Spamster
- 汤姆弯下腰，捧起了一把沙子。Tom bent down and picked up a handful of sand.This sentence demonstrates the use of 沙 in a physical action.Tatoeba #8739649 by slo_oth, translation #2925546 by CK
- 老人在骡子的背上放上了一个个装满了沙的袋子。The old man loaded his mule with bags full of sand.This sentence illustrates the use of 沙 when describing bags filled with the substance.Tatoeba #8916882 by maxine, translation #326439 by CK
- 我喜欢在沙滩上散步。I enjoy taking walks on the sandy beach.
- 沙子非常细腻。The sand is very fine.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are walking along the beach.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这里的沙很细。zhèlǐ de shā hěn xì.The sand here is very fine.
- 俊杰 Junjie是啊，走在上面很舒服。shì a, zǒu zài shàngmiàn hěn shūfu.Yes, it feels comfortable walking on it.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，你看那边的沙滩很大。jùnjié, nǐ kàn nàbiān de shātān hěn dà.Junjie, look, that beach over there is huge.
- 俊杰 Junjie佳怡，我们去那边玩吧。jiāyí, wǒmen qù nàbiān wán ba.Jiayi, let's go play over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sand” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
