綻び

• Reading: ほころび
• Romaji: hokorobi
• Kanji breakdown: 綻 (tan/hokorobi) — come undone, unravel, open
• Pronunciation: /ho.ko.ɾo.bi/

Meaning

Opening; tear; unravelling; flaw; hint of a smile. Describes a seam coming undone, a small crack or flaw appearing, or the very beginning of a smile.

Derived from the verb ほころびる (to come undone, to open slightly). The noun 綻び has multiple nuanced meanings: a physical gap in stitching or fabric, a metaphorical crack or flaw in a plan or system, and — uniquely — the first sign of a smile or the opening of a flower bud. Context determines which meaning applies; the flaw/crack sense is most common in formal writing.

Examples

1. 計画の綻びがひとつ見つかると、全体が崩れ始めた。 Once a single flaw was found in the plan, the whole thing began to fall apart.
2. 長年維持してきた同盟関係に綻びが生じ始めた。 Cracks began to appear in the long-maintained alliance.
3. 彼女は口元に小さな綻びを浮かべて、黙って頷いた。 She gave a small smile at the corners of her mouth and nodded silently.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, politics, daily life, relationships

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the verb ほころびる, derived from Old Japanese. The kanji 綻 means to come undone, unravel, or open. The word captures the dual image of fabric coming apart and a bud beginning to open — giving it its range of meanings from flaw to smile.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal