垣
Meanings
1
A physical barrier or enclosure, often made of wood, bamboo, or plants, used around houses, gardens, or fields.
We put a bamboo fence around the garden.
The fence forms a boundary with the road.
2
Figurative use for something that separates or obstructs, such as emotional distance, social barriers, or obstacles.
Let's talk openly and break down the walls between us.
The language barrier makes communication difficult.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に垣を巡らすto put up a fence around a place
We put up a fence around the garden so the cat couldn't get in.
- 〈人〉との間に垣ができるfor a barrier/distance to form between people
After the argument, a wall grew between the two of them.
- 垣越しに〈動詞〉to do something over/across the fence
I talked with my neighbor over the fence.
Expressions
- 垣を作るput up an emotional wall; become distant · form a wall of people
- 垣堅くして犬入らずa firm fence keeps the dogs out; a united household cannot be disturbed from outside
- 親しき中に垣をせよgood fences make good neighbors; a hedge between keeps friendship green
- 近しき仲にも垣を結えgood fences make good neighbors; a hedge between keeps friendship green
- 板垣死すとも自由は死せずItagaki may die, but liberty never!