差 means “difference, gap”

さ · sa

Also: distinction, variation, discrepancy

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): さす, さし
On'yomi (Chinese reading): サ

JLPT N3 · Taught in grade 4 · 10 strokes

The story

Picture a sheep (羊) measured against a carpenter's square (工): how far does it fall short? 差 is that gap: 時差 is the time difference behind jet lag, and 差がある means there's a difference.

Used in 時差 (jisa, time difference), 交差点 (kousaten, intersection), and 差し上げる (sashiageru, to give, humble)

差 means “difference, gap”

The story

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