(すきま)

すきま
noun
gap, crack, opening
1. gap, crack, opening, space
A narrow opening or space between things.
Wind is coming in through the gap in the door.
I put a small box in the gap on the bookshelf.
I sealed the gap in the window with tape so bugs wouldn't get in.
2. spare time, opening (in schedule)
A brief period of free time between activities.
I read books in my spare moments.
I study by making use of spare moments.
I'm busy, but I try to find spare moments to exercise.

隙間(すきま) refers to a gap, crack, or opening between objects, or figuratively to spare time.

Common collocations:

  • 隙間(すきま)(かぜ) (draft coming through a gap)
  • 隙間(すきま)時間(じかん) (spare time, gaps in one's schedule)
  • 隙間(すきま)()める (to fill a gap)
  • 隙間(すきま)産業(さんぎょう) (niche market/industry)

Related words:

  • ()() (crack, fissure)
  • (あな) (hole)
  • (あいだ) (space between)
  • 余裕(よゆう) (leeway, room - for time/space)