noun
sand; fine sand
Refers to sand, especially fine sand or sand found on beaches. Often used in classical or poetic contexts, but still understood in modern Japanese.
浜辺の真砂は白くて細かい。
The sand on the beach is white and fine.
真砂を踏みしめて歩く。
I walk, treading on the sand.
砂 is the common, everyday word for sand. 真砂 is more literary and often implies fine, clean sand, especially in poetic descriptions.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 真砂 literally means 'true sand', suggesting fine or pure sand. The reading まさご is of native origin.