noun
between two people; face to face
Refers to a direct, often private, interaction or relationship between two individuals.
二人で差しで話したいことがある。
I have something I want to talk about just between the two of us.
noun
Something that obstructs or gets in the way; often used in compound words like 差し障り or 差し支え.
この件に差し障りがあれば教えてください。
Please let me know if there is any hindrance regarding this matter.
noun
arrhythmic recitative section (noh)
In noh theater, a section of recitative that is not strictly rhythmic. Usually written in kana.
能のさしの部分は、拍子に合わない独特の節回しで謡われる。
The sashi section in noh is chanted with a unique melody that does not follow a strict beat.
noun
two-player game (hanafuda, mahjong)
A game played with only two participants, as opposed to the usual three or four.
今日はメンバーが足りないから、差しで花札をしよう。
We don't have enough members today, so let's play hanafuda with just two players.
prefix
emphatic prefix
Attaches to verbs or adjectives to add stress or emphasis, similar to 'very' or 'really'. Not freely productive; seen in words like 差し迫る or 差し出がましい.
「差し迫った問題」の「差し」は、切迫感を強める接頭語だ。
The 'sashi' in 'sashisematta mondai' is a prefix that intensifies the sense of urgency.
counter
counter for traditional dance songs
Used to count pieces in traditional Japanese dance or music, such as 地唄 or 長唄.
この踊りは三差しで構成されている。
This dance consists of three songs.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Abbreviated kanji form, rarely used.
Abbreviated kanji form, rarely used.
Derived from the verb 差す (sasu), meaning 'to point, insert, or extend'. The various senses developed from the core idea of directing something toward another or inserting something between.