About
This character originally denoted a crack or fissure in earthenware vessels, indicated by the semantic radical 缶 (clay pots). The phonetic component 虖 contributes its sound. Over time, the meaning broadened to refer to any physical crack, split, or narrow opening, such as in walls or rocks. It further extended to figurative usage, describing a flaw, loophole, or deficiency in abstract matters like arguments, plans, or relationships.
Etymology Hide
