塩

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 塩 is read as しお and is a noun for salt, a seasoning used to add saltiness to food.
• Basic usage: Adding salt to soup appears in スープに塩を入れる, while referring to a bag of salt appears in 塩の袋.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 砂糖
  • 塩 provides saltiness rather than sweetness.