About
The character "隙" combines the radical "阝", derived from "阜" and associated with earthen mounds or terrain, with a phonetic element that implies constriction or smallness, originally denoting a physical crack or fissure in the ground. Over time, its meaning extended from concrete spatial gaps to include temporal intervals, openings between objects, and metaphorical lapses or opportunities, reflecting a conceptual shift from tangible to abstract realms. Structurally, the character has preserved its composition, with the radical anchoring its semantic field to divisions or openings and the right component reinforcing notions of narrow separation, thus allowing its usage to evolve while retaining a foundational link to the idea of a breach or interval.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
阳光从树叶的缝隙中洒下来。
他们利用工作的间隙短暂休息。
两座房子之间有一道狭窄的缝隙。
他抓住了对手防守的间隙迅速突破。
这段关系的裂痕产生了难以弥补的嫌隙。
再严密的计划也可能存在疏漏的孔隙。
他总在寻找可乘之隙以实现自己的目的。
两国在历史认知上存在难以弥合的观念隙罅。