Japanese word

隙間

Pronunciation

Romajisukima

Meaning

  • noungap

Example

窓の隙間から風が入ります。mado no suki ma ka ra kaze ga hai ri ma su

Wind comes in through the gap in the window.

Illustration for 隙間 (gap)

More examples

壁の隙間をテープでふさぎます。kabe no suki ma o tē pu de fu sa gi ma su

I seal the gap in the wall with tape.

Core concept

Describes a limited opening between nearby things or parts through which air, light, or a person may pass.

Common phrases

  • 隙間ができるsuki ma ga de ki ru

    a gap forms

  • 隙間に入るsuki ma ni hai ru

    fit into a gap

  • 隙間を埋めるsuki ma o u me ru

    fill a gap

Similar words

間aida: The space separating two things or parts, whether or not it forms a passage.
空きaki: An unfilled space or vacancy within or between things.
割れ目wareme: A narrow opening caused by a surface splitting or breaking.

Definition in Japanese

二つの物の間や、物の一部の間にある、あいた部分。futa tsu no mono no aida ya mono no ichi bu no aida ni a ru a i ta bu bun

Word origin

The native Japanese compound 隙間 (sukima) combines 隙 (suki, "opening") with 間 (ma, "interval").

Usage tips

  • Unlike a crack that marks a break in a surface, 隙間 (sukima) usually focuses on the open space between or within things.

Other meanings

  • spacenoun
  • cracknoun

Word lists with this word