distinction, difference, variation, discrepancy, margin, balance
差 centers on a measurable gap or deviation between things: a distinction, difference, or discrepancy. The margin and balance senses extend this idea to the amount of difference or the act of adjusting it.
差 is thought to combine ⺶ (a variant of 羊, sheep) with 工, but the exact historical development is uncertain. The modern form may have been influenced by the idea of unevenness or distinction.
The ⺶ enclosure looks like a sheep with horns, and 工 is a tool. Imagine a sheep and a tool side by side—they are clearly different, highlighting the distinction.
For サ, picture a balance scale with a small saucer on each side: saucer -> サ, and the scale shows the difference.
difference; variation
distinction; differentiation; discrimination
difference; disparity; gap
crossing; intersection
qualitative difference; disparity; gap
measurement error; calculation error
great difference; big difference; wide margin
time difference
crossing; intersection
sunlight; rays of the Sun
(a) look; gaze
index finger; forefinger; first (occ. second) finger
to hold out; to extend (e.g. a hand)
balance; difference (in price, cost); margin
difference in elevation (between two points in a body of water); head; drop (e.g. of a waterfall); fall distance
hindrance; impediment
to shine
prohibition; ban; suspension; injunction
to insert; to put in; to thrust in; to plug in
point spread; point difference
sender (e.g. of mail)
to lift up; to hold up; to raise
ruler; measure; measuring stick
to hold out; to extend (e.g. one's hands); to stretch; to reach out for
wide difference; a world of difference
deduction; subtraction; balance
to point at
to come near (to); to approach
for the time being; at present
marginal profits
to be moderate in; to be temperate in; to not do too much of
to interfere (with); to hinder; to be hindered (from doing); to become impeded; to have difficulty; to suffer inconvenience
to send back; to refer back
individual differences; personal equation
deviation value (usu. scaled to mean of 50, standard deviation of 10, and often used for academic grades); deviation; T-score; standard score
slight difference; narrow margin
indiscrimination; without discrimination