Translation guide
The English word 'chink' can refer to a narrow opening or crack, a light metallic sound, or a vulnerability in armor or an argument. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a small gap, slit, or crack through which light, air, or a glance can pass.
General term for a gap, crevice, or chink. Used for physical spaces between objects.
Describing a short, sharp ringing sound, like coins or glasses hitting each other.
Onomatopoeia for a light, clear ringing sound, like a small bell or coins.
コインがチリンと床に落ちた。
The coin fell to the floor with a chink.
Referring to a weak point or flaw in a defense, system, or reasoning.
The English word 'chink' as a sound does not have a single direct equivalent. Use Japanese onomatopoeia like チリン or カチン depending on the material and context.
氷がグラスの中でチリンと鳴った。
The ice made a chinking sound in the glass.
ドアの隙間から光が漏れていた。
Light was leaking through a chink in the door.
A crack or fissure, often in a solid surface like rock or wood.
壁の割れ目から冷たい風が入ってくる。
A cold draft comes in through a chink in the wall.
Alternative kanji for 隙間, less common but same meaning.
窓の透き間から虫が入った。
A bug got in through a chink in the window.
Onomatopoeia for a harder, sharper metallic click or clink.
グラスがカチンとぶつかった。
The glasses clinked with a chink.
Short, crisp sound, often used for a microwave or small bell.
電子レンジがチンと鳴った。
The microwave went 'chink'.
Standard word for weakness or vulnerable point.
彼の議論には弱点がある。
There is a chink in his argument.
An opening or unguarded moment, often used in martial arts or strategy.
相手の隙を突いた。
I exploited a chink in my opponent's defense.
A loophole or weak point that can be taken advantage of.
その計画には付け入る隙がある。
There is a chink in that plan that can be exploited.