Translation guide
A narrow opening or crack, especially in rock or a surface. Japanese distinguishes between natural rock fissures, small surface cracks, and gaps in man-made structures.
A deep, natural split in rock, a cliff face, or the ground.
General word for a crack or fissure in rock, earth, or other solid surfaces. Common and natural.
I put my hand into a crevice in the rock.
The earthquake created a large crevice in the ground.
Similar to 割れ目 but often implies a longer, narrower split, like a tear or gash in rock.
A cold wind was blowing from the crevice in the cliff.
Literally 'gap between rocks'. Used for spaces between boulders or rock formations, often where small animals hide.
The lizard hid in a crevice between the rocks.
Specifically a crack or fissure in the ground, often caused by earthquakes or drought. More technical or dramatic.
Deep crevices ran through the farmland due to the drought.
A thin, often superficial crack in a wall, pavement, or object.
Most common word for a fine crack or fissure in a surface like a wall, cup, or pavement. Often implies damage.
There is a crevice (crack) in the wall.
The teacup got a crack in it.
A gap or narrow opening between objects, like a door and its frame, or floorboards. Not necessarily a crack, but often translates 'crevice' in man-made contexts.
Formal or technical term for a crack or fissure, often used in geology or engineering. Can sound overly dramatic in daily conversation.
A tight space or gap in a building, fence, or other man-made structure.
The go-to word for any narrow gap or crevice in a structure. Very versatile.
A cold draft comes in through the crevice in the door.
He slipped through a crevice in the fence.
Can be used for a crack in a man-made surface like concrete, but ひび is more common for fine cracks.
割れ目 (wareme) is a crack or fissure, often in rock or earth. ひび (hibi) is a fine crack in a surface like a wall or cup, implying damage. 隙間 (sukima) is a gap or opening between things, not necessarily a crack. For natural rock crevices, 割れ目 is best; for structural gaps, use 隙間; for surface cracks, use ひび.
亀裂 (kiretsu) is a formal/technical term. Using it for a small crack in a teacup sounds unnatural. Stick to ひび for everyday cracks.
床板の隙間から光が漏れていた。
Light was leaking through a crevice in the floorboards.
Crevices have formed on the wall surface.
Weeds are growing from a crevice in the concrete.