to sprinkle

JLPT N1 9 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (sǎ) primarily means "to sprinkle" or "to scatter" liquids or small particles like water, salt, or seeds. It is often used in everyday contexts such as watering plants or seasoning food.

Extended Usage

Besides the literal meaning, can also describe a manner or style, such as (sǎtuō), meaning "free and easy" or "natural and confident." This usage is more abstract and often appears in descriptions of personality or behavior.

Common Collocations

  • (sǎ shuǐ): to sprinkle water, often for plants or cleaning.
  • (sǎ yán): to sprinkle salt, usually in cooking.
  • (sǎtuō): free and easy, natural and confident, describing demeanor.

Usage Notes

When using to describe sprinkling, the object is usually something small and scattered, like water or salt. Avoid using for large quantities or pouring actions. For personality descriptions, is a common fixed expression and should be learned as a set phrase.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (jiāo), which means "to water" or "to irrigate" in a more continuous or larger-scale sense. implies a lighter, scattered action.

Example Sentences

He sprinkles water in the garden to water the plants.

She sprinkled some salt into the soup, making it taste better.

He laughed freely and confidently.