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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Drinking one-on-one with my boss makes me a little nervous.
There's something I want to discuss with her one-on-one.
The two of them played mahjong head-to-head.
刺し (stabbing/sashimi) and 差し (as in 差しで, meaning one-on-one) are pronounced identically but written with different kanji and mean completely different things.
sunlight; sunshine; rays of the sun
look; gaze; expression in one's eyes
insertion; putting in · sending to a prisoner; care package for inmate · supply of refreshments; care package for workers
hold out; extend · present; submit; tender · sacrifice; give up; offer up · send; forward; mail
seizure; attachment; foreclosure
hindrance; impediment; obstacle
prohibition; ban; suspension; injunction
insert; put in; plug in · shine in; stream in; pour in · have a griping pain; feel a sharp pain
pointing (with one's finger)
insertion; plugging in · plug; outlet; power point · sharp pain; spasm; stitch
lift up; hold up; raise · give; present; offer · do for someone (humble)
ruler; measuring stick · standard; criterion; yardstick
hold out; extend; stretch out; reach out · thrust (a javelin) · offer (help, aid, etc.); extend (a helping hand)
replace; change; swap out
addition and deletion; insertion and removal · taking out and putting in; plugging and unplugging · making do; getting by; managing
deduction; subtraction; net balance · ebb and flow; rise and fall
post crown; dowel crown; false tooth · tooth of a geta clog
approach; come near · be on the verge of; be about to reach · overhang; hang over
carpenter's square · instigation; manipulation; behind-the-scenes influence · prop wire (kabuki) · puppet control rod (bunraku)
after all; in the end; when all's said and done · for the time being; at present
send; dispatch; direct (a person or vehicle) · direct (attention, spotlight, etc.); turn (toward)
pitcher; water jug; watering can · fresh water container (tea ceremony)
deduct; subtract; take away · make allowances for; take into account; factor in · ebb and flow; fluctuate
be moderate in; hold back on; not overdo · refrain from; withhold; abstain from · be nearby; be close by
seize; impound; garnish; attach (goods)
interfere; hinder; be hindered; have difficulty
hindrance; obstacle; impediment · annoyance (to others); offense; harm
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
Abbreviated kanji form, rarely used.
Abbreviated kanji form, rarely used.