差
さ · sa · JLPT N3 · noun
difference
⚖️ 差 sa: is it the SAme? No, there's a difference. Seen in 時差 jisa, time gap
差 is the kanji in 時差 (jisa, time difference or jet lag) and 差別 (sabetsu, discrimination). Its top part looks like 羊 (sheep) without its tail, and its bottom is 工 (work). Remembering one question helps: is it the SAme? If not, that's 差.
差 — 垂 (drooping) + 工 (work/tool)
Originally depicted a hand reaching down to grasp grain stalks of uneven length, suggesting discrepancy or unevenness. From this came the meaning 'difference' or 'to differ.' The reading chā specifically carries the sense of disparity, while other readings developed meanings like 'to dispatch' (chāi) and 'poor/lacking' (chà).