ギャップ

ぎゃっぷ
noun
gap; discrepancy; contrast
abstract
1. gap; discrepancy; contrast
A difference between two things that should match, such as expectation and reality, or two generations; often a surprising contrast in a person's character.
理想(りそう)と現実(げんじつ)のギャップ。
The gap between ideal and reality.
親(おや)との世代(せだい)のギャップを感(かん)じる。
I feel the generation gap with my parents.
見(み)た目(め)は怖(こわ)いのに話(はな)すと優(やさ)しくて、そのギャップに驚(おどろ)いた。
He looks scary, but he's kind when you talk to him, and I was surprised by the contrast.

Japanese ギャップ is about a difference between things, not a physical opening. For a physical gap between objects, use 隙間(すきま).

Common collocations

  • ギャップがある: there is a gap
  • ギャップを埋(う)める: to close the gap
  • ジェネレーションギャップ: generation gap
  • ギャップ萌(も)え: being charmed by an unexpected side of someone (slang)

Usage

Said of a person, ギャップ usually praises: someone whose unexpected side is endearing is said to have a nice ギャップ.

general
Added 2026.9.29 22:14 · Revised 2026.9.29 22:17
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