sand
沙 centers on sand: fine granular material found near water. The meaning is straightforward and concrete.
沙 combines 氵 (water) with 少 (few/small), suggesting small particles deposited by water, i.e., sand. The component 少 may also contribute a phonetic element.
Water 氵 washes over tiny particles 少, leaving behind sand. Picture a beach where waves deposit fine sand.
For サ, imagine the sun (サン) beating down on the sand, making it hot. The first syllable of 'sun' (サ) cues the reading.
one hundred-millionth
affair; state; incident; issue; matter
not writing or contacting for a while; neglecting (failing) to write (call, visit, etc.); long silence
news (from someone); word; letter; tidings; contact
sal (tree) (Shorea robusta); saul
going public (with a matter); becoming public knowledge
Vaisravana (guardian god of Buddhism)
male Buddhist novice
having nothing to do; having time on one's hands (and not knowing what to do); being at a loose end; being bored
red spider lily (Lycoris radiata); cluster amaryllis; cluster belladonna; manjusaka
ragworm; sandworm; clam worm (Hediste)
shramana (wandering monk)
money talks; money is the key that opens all doors; even the Buddha's verdict is (decided by) money
secret government business
bloodshed
beginning (developing into) a quarrel (a fight, an altercation)
money talks; money is the key that opens all doors; money is the best lawyer in hell; even the verdict of hell is determined by money
Sicyopterus japonicus (species of goby)
tall stewartia (Stewartia monadelpha); hime-syara stewartia
sharp-nosed sand goby (Favonigobius gymnauchen)