Describes physical or abstract things that are thinly distributed, such as vegetation, hair, or attendance. Antonym: 密 (dense).
Antonyms: 密 (みつ)
This forest has sparse trees.
Used for relationships that have grown cold or distant, often between people who were once close. Antonym: 親 (intimate).
Antonyms: 親 (しん)
Attendance at the meeting was sparse.
Lately, my relationship with him has become distant.
Even though they are siblings, they have a very estranged relationship.
dense; thick; crowded · close; intimate · minute; fine; careful · secret · esoteric Buddhism; secret Buddhist teachings
depopulation; underpopulation; low population density
mutual understanding; communication · passing without obstruction
estrangement; alienation; drifting apart
evacuation; dispersal of civilians · dispersal of troops; deployment
alienation; estrangement; exclusion
canal; drainage; water conveyance · hydrophobic; water-repellent
empty; hollow; insubstantial; fruitless
estrangement; alienation; unfriendliness
slipshod; sloppy; shoddy
Standard kanji spelling for both senses.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the intended nuance is clear from context.
The kanji 疎 originally depicts a foot stepping over a barrier, suggesting separation or sparseness. The reading そ is the on'yomi. The word is used in both literal and figurative senses of thinness or distance.
prima facie showing; explanation to convince a judge
sparse woods; open woodland
carelessness; negligence; oversight
alienation; estrangement
drizzle; scattered rain
prolonged silence
humble fare; simple meal
degree of intimacy; closeness and distance