1.
gap, space between, interval
The space or boundary between two things, whether physical or abstract. Often used figuratively to describe being caught between opposing forces, emotions, or states.
夢と現実の狭間にいる。
I am caught between dream and reality.
生きることと死ぬことの狭間で苦しんだ。
I suffered in the space between life and death.
仕事と家庭の狭間で悩む人は少なくない。
There are many people who struggle between work and family.
USAGE:
Most commonly used in the figurative pattern AとBの狭間 ("between A and B"), describing a state of being caught or torn between two opposing things. The physical sense (a narrow gap between objects such as mountains or buildings) exists but is less common in modern usage.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 夢と現実の狭間: between dream and reality
- 生と死の狭間: between life and death
- 理想と現実の狭間: between ideal and reality
- ～の狭間で揺れる: to waver between ~