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.
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.
Standard kanji spelling; used in literary and poetic contexts.
Kana spelling is common in modern writing, especially when the kanji is considered difficult or obscure.
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.