Meet 差 in words for differences and in verbs describing light and umbrellas.

The idea

差 has 10 strokes. Read 差（さ）, 時差（じさ） and 交差点（こうさてん） as whole words; 差す is read さす. Follow the linked stroke diagram.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingExample
差さThere is a difference between the two prices.
時差じさThere is a time difference between Japan and the UK.
交差点こうさてんPlease turn right at the intersection.
差すさすIt is raining, so I will put up an umbrella.

Examples

  • 二ふたつの価格かかくには差さがあります。There is a difference between the two prices.
  • 兄あにと私わたしの年齢ねんれいの差さは三歳さんさいです。The age difference between my older brother and me is three years.
  • 日本にほんと英国えいこくには時差じさがあります。There is a time difference between Japan and the UK.
  • 交差点こうさてんを右みぎに曲まがってください。Please turn right at the intersection.
  • 窓まどから光ひかりが差さしています。Light is shining in through the window.
  • 雨あめが降ふっているので、傘かさを差さします。It is raining, so I will put up an umbrella.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

差 can mean a difference, but 交差点 is a crossing. In 傘を差す, 差す means to put up an umbrella.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 差 in hiragana.

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    さ

    差 is read さ when it means a difference.

  2. Write the reading of 時差 in hiragana.

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    じさ

    時差 is read じさ and means a time difference.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: 交＿点（こうさてん）［差／左］.

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    差

    差 completes 交差点（こうさてん）, an intersection.

Use it today

Write 差 using the diagram, then cover the readings and make a sentence with 時差.