隙(すき)

すき
noun
gap, opening, chance
abstract
See also: 好(す)き (like, fond of)
1. gap, opening, crack
A physical space or opening between things.
戸(と)の隙(すき)から冷(つめ)たい風(かぜ)が入(はい)ってくる。
Cold air comes in through the gap in the door.
戸(と)の隙(すき)から光(ひかり)が漏(も)れている。
Light is leaking through the gap in the door.
雨戸(あまど)の隙(すき)から朝日(あさひ)が差(さ)し込(こ)んできた。
The morning sun came in through a gap in the storm shutters.
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(すき)を狙(ねら)って攻撃(こうげき)した。
They attacked, targeting an opening.
隙(すき)を見(み)せたら負(ま)ける。
If you show any opening, you'll lose.
相手(あいて)の隙(すき)をついて一気(いっき)に攻(せ)めた。
I exploited my opponent's opening and attacked all at once.

Common collocations

Related words

  • 隙間(すきま): gap, crack, space between things (more concrete/physical than 隙(すき))

Usage

  • For a physical gap, 隙間(すきま) is the everyday word; 隙(すき) alone in this sense sounds a little literary.

Watch out

Related Words

Related: 隙間(すきま) (physical gap)
Homophone: 好(す)き (liking)
general
Added 2026.2.12 16:08 · Revised 2026.10.13 3:57
10500/10999_suki_gap