Translation guide
The English word 'sand' refers to the granular material found on beaches, in deserts, etc. In Japanese, the most common word is 砂 (すな). However, there are related terms for sand in specific contexts, such as sand as a material, sand in a sandbox, or sand used in construction.
sand (general)
The granular material itself, typically found on beaches, in deserts, or used in construction.
The most common and general word for 'sand'. Used in everyday conversation.
子供たちが砂で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the sand.
I got sand in my shoes.
A grain of sand. Used when emphasizing individual particles.
A grain of sand got in my eye.
Sand used for construction, glassmaking, or other industrial purposes.
Sand specifically in a sandbox for children to play in.
Sand as part of a natural environment like a beach or desert.
Sand used in an hourglass or similar timekeeping device.
Hourglass. Literally 'sand clock'.
The sand in the hourglass falls.
The color of sand, typically a light brown or beige.
English idioms like 'bury your head in the sand' do not translate directly. The Japanese equivalent is 見て見ぬふりをする (to pretend not to see).
I spread gravel in the garden.
I made a mountain out of sand.
The Sahara Desert is vast.
I watched the sunset from the top of a sand dune.
I chose beige curtains.