空隙

kòng xì

crack

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 空隙 (kòng xì) primarily refers to a physical gap, crack, or fissure between objects, such as walls or boards. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a 'gap' in time or opportunity, like breaks during work or intervals in a schedule.

Common Collocations

These collocations highlight how 空隙 can describe both physical spaces and temporal intervals.

Usage Notes

When used for physical spaces, 空隙 often implies a narrow or small opening that might allow air, light, or small objects to pass through. When referring to time, it suggests a short period available between activities.

Avoid confusing 空隙 with 缺口 (quē kǒu), which often means a larger or more obvious break or notch. 空隙 tends to emphasize a smaller or less noticeable gap.

Register and Tone

空隙 is a neutral term suitable for both spoken and written Chinese, commonly used in everyday contexts as well as technical descriptions.

Example Sentences

墙上的空隙让冷风吹了进来。

Qiáng shàng de kòng xì ràng lěng fēng chuī le jìn lái.

The crack in the wall let the cold wind blow in.

他利用工作中的空隙时间学习外语。

Tā lì yòng gōng zuò zhōng de kòng xì shí jiān xué xí wài yǔ.

He uses the gaps in his work schedule to study foreign languages.

这两块木板之间有一个小空隙。

Zhè liǎng kuài mù bǎn zhī jiān yǒu yí gè xiǎo kòng xì.

There is a small gap between these two wooden boards.