沙

Granular sediment ranging from fine silt to coarse grit, gravel, and pebbles. This includes topographical extensions such as shoals, sandbars, banks, or small islands composed of these materials. In riverine contexts, it frequently denotes rugged riverbed deposits.

Used as a noun (referring to the material or landform) or as an attributive modifier denoting texture—specifically "granulated," "gritty," or "coarse"—particularly in descriptions of food, medicine, or skin.

Tang-period reading: *shra. Fanqie: 所加, 所嫁.

Avoid limiting the translation to "fine sand" (as in a modern beach); consider the broader spectrum of materiality based on whether the context is geological or riverine.