差別
さべつ · sabetsu · JLPT N3 · noun
discrimination
差別 = difference (差) + separate (別): setting people apart
差 means gap or difference, as in 時差 (time difference); 別 means separate, as in 別々 (separately). Together they mean treating things as different and keeping them apart. Today 差別 usually means unfair discrimination; 差別化 is the neutral differentiation.
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).