隙

• Reading: すき
• Romaji: suki
• Kanji breakdown: 隙 (geki/suki) — gap, crevice, opening
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ki/

Meaning

Gap; opening; vulnerability. An unguarded moment or weak point in someone's defences or attention.

A noun with both physical and figurative meanings. Physically refers to a crack or gap between objects. Figuratively describes a lapse in vigilance or an exploitable weakness. Very common in martial arts, strategy, and interpersonal contexts. Key collocations include 隙を突く (suki wo tsuku, to exploit an opening), 隙を見せる (suki wo miseru, to show vulnerability), and 隙がない (suki ga nai, flawless).

Examples

1. 相手の隙を突いて一気に攻めた。 I exploited my opponent's opening and launched an all-out attack.
2. 仕事に隙がないように丁寧に確認している。 I check carefully so there are no gaps in my work.
3. 彼女は人前では絶対に隙を見せない。 She never shows any vulnerability in front of others.

Usage Guide

Context: martial arts, strategy, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From native Japanese. Originally referred to a physical gap or space between objects, later extending to metaphorical openings in attention or defence.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal