1.
gap, opening, crack
A physical space or opening between things.
戸の隙から冷たい風が入ってくる。
Cold air comes in through the gap in the door.
2.
unguarded moment, opening, chance to exploit
A moment of carelessness or vulnerability that can be taken advantage of. Common in martial arts, sports, and everyday contexts.
隙を狙って攻撃した。
They attacked, targeting an opening.
隙を見せたら負ける。
If you show any opening, you'll lose.
相手の隙をついて一気に攻めた。
I exploited my opponent's opening and attacked all at once.
隙 has two main uses: a physical gap and a figurative opening or vulnerability.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 隙を狙う (target an opening)
- 隙をつく (exploit an opening)
- 隙を見せる (show vulnerability)
- 隙がない (have no openings, be on guard)
- 隙だらけ (full of openings)
RELATED WORD:
- 隙間: gap, crack, space between things (more concrete/physical than 隙)
Not to be confused with 好き (liking, fondness), which has the same reading.