noun
Physical damage: a small scratch, chip, or nick on a surface or object. Often used in formal or written contexts.
この陶器にはかきんがある。
This pottery has a chip.
noun
Abstract imperfection: a moral flaw, character defect, or shortcoming. Often used in literary or formal criticism.
彼の人格にはかきんがある。
There is a flaw in his character.
noun
A stain on one's honor or reputation; a cause of shame. Rare and literary.
その事件は彼の経歴のかきんとなった。
That incident became a disgrace to his career.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 瑕 and 瑾/釁 are associated with flaws in jade and cracks in ritual vessels, respectively, suggesting a classical Chinese origin for the concept of a small imperfection.