差 異(さい)

さい

noun

difference, discrepancy, disparity

1. difference, discrepancy, disparity

A noticeable difference or gap between two or more things. More formal than 違い and often used in academic, analytical, or official contexts.

文化(ぶんか)の差異(さい)を認(みと)める。

To acknowledge cultural differences.

両者(りょうしゃ)の間(あいだ)には大(おお)きな差異(さい)がある。

There is a significant difference between the two.

調査(ちょうさ)の結果(けっか)、地域(ちいき)によって教育(きょういく)水準(すいじゅん)に大(おお)きな差異(さい)があることが明(あき)らかになった。

The survey results revealed that there are significant disparities in educational standards depending on the region.

Common patterns

差(さ) (difference, gap) + 異(い) (different, unusual).

Usage

差異(さい) is a formal synonym of 違(ちが)い (difference). It is preferred in written, academic, and analytical contexts where precise or objective language is expected. Compared to 差(さ), which emphasizes a measurable gap, 差異(さい) focuses on qualitative differences between things being compared.

Common collocations

差異(さい)がある: there is a difference
差異(さい)を認(みと)める: to acknowledge differences
差異(さい)を生(う)む: to create differences
個人(こじん)差異(さい): individual differences
文化的(ぶんかてき)差異(さい): cultural differences

Related Words

Synonym: 違(ちが)い (difference (everyday))

Synonym: 差(さ) (gap, margin)

Synonym: 相違(そうい) (discrepancy (formal))

Compare: 相違点(そういてん) (point of difference)

general

Added 2026.2.21 15:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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