1.
news, word, contact
Communication or contact from someone, especially after a period of silence. Often used in the negative to mean 'no word' or 'no news.'
彼からは何の沙汰もない。
There's been no word from him.
長い間沙汰がなかったが、突然連絡が来た。
There had been no contact for a long time, but suddenly I heard from them.
合否の沙汰を待っている。
I'm waiting for word on whether I passed or failed.
2.
matter, affair, case
A matter or situation, especially one that is problematic, scandalous, or requiring judgment. Often used in set phrases to characterize the nature of a situation.
こんな時間に電話するなんて正気の沙汰じゃない。
Calling at this hour is sheer madness.
地獄の沙汰も金次第。
Even in hell, money talks.
A well-known proverb meaning that money can influence any outcome.
あの値段で売るとは、正気の沙汰とは思えない。
Selling it at that price — I can't believe anyone in their right mind would do that.
USAGE:
Most commonly encountered in set phrases rather than as a standalone word. The phrase 正気の沙汰ではない (not the act of a sane person; sheer madness) is extremely common. The proverb 地獄の沙汰も金次第 (even in hell, money talks) is widely known.
Historically, 沙汰 referred to a legal ruling or judgment, and this sense survives in the phrase 裁判沙汰 (court case, lawsuit — note the voicing to ざた).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 沙汰がない: no word, no contact
- 正気の沙汰ではない: sheer madness
- 地獄の沙汰も金次第: money makes the world go round
- 音沙汰がない: no news, no contact