差し
Meanings
between two people; face to face
Refers to a direct, often private, interaction or relationship between two individuals.
I have something I want to talk about just between the two of us.
Something that obstructs or gets in the way; often used in compound words like 差し障り or 差し支え.
Please let me know if there is any hindrance regarding this matter.
arrhythmic recitative section (noh)
In noh theater, a section of recitative that is not strictly rhythmic. Usually written in kana.
The sashi section in noh is chanted with a unique melody that does not follow a strict beat.
two-player game (hanafuda, mahjong)
A game played with only two participants, as opposed to the usual three or four.
We don't have enough members today, so let's play hanafuda with just two players.
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.
The 'sashi' in 'sashisematta mondai' is a prefix that intensifies the sense of urgency.
counter for traditional dance songs
Used to count pieces in traditional Japanese dance or music, such as 地唄 or 長唄.
This dance consists of three songs.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉と差しで飲むto drink together with someone, just the two of you
Drinking one-on-one with my boss makes me a little nervous.
- 〈人〉と差しで話すto talk with someone one-on-one, privately
There's something I want to discuss with her one-on-one.
- 〈人〉と差しで勝負するto compete or play a game one-on-one against someone
The two of them played mahjong head-to-head.