ひび

• Reading: ひび
• Romaji: hibi
• Kanji breakdown: 罅 (hibi) — crack, fissure (rare kanji; typically written in hiragana)
• Pronunciation: /hi.bi/

Meaning

A crack; fissure; a narrow break or split in a surface.

A noun describing fine cracks or fissures in surfaces such as walls, glass, skin, or pottery. The most common collocation is ひびが入る (a crack forms). Also used figuratively for cracks in relationships: 友情にひびが入る (a crack forms in a friendship). The kanji 罅 exists but is rarely used; hiragana ひび is standard.

Examples

1. 地震の後、壁にひびが入っているのに気づいた。 After the earthquake, I noticed a crack in the wall.
2. 古い花瓶をよく見るとひびが走っていた。 Looking closely at the old vase, I could see a crack running through it.
3. 乾燥で唇にひびが出来て痛い。 The dryness has caused my lips to crack and it hurts.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, daily life, relationships, health

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

Native Japanese word of ancient origin. The rare kanji 罅 contains 缶 (earthenware) + 虍 (tiger pattern), evoking the image of crack patterns on pottery. The word is almost always written in hiragana in modern usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal