ひび
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Refers to a physical crack or fissure in a surface, such as glass, walls, or skin. Often used with verbs like 入る (to form a crack) or できる (to appear).
There is a crack in the window glass.
Cracks appeared in the wall due to dryness.
2
rift; split; crack (in a relationship)
usually written using kana alone
Metaphorical extension: a rift or strain in a relationship, friendship, or group. Commonly used in expressions like ひびが入る (a rift develops) or ひびを修復する (to mend a rift).
A rift developed in their friendship.
The incident caused a split within the party.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉にひびが入るa crack forms in something
A crack formed in the vase.
- 〈事〉にひびが入るa rift develops in a relationship or bond
A rift developed in their relationship.
- ひびができるa crack appears
A crack appeared in the wall.
- ひびを修復するto mend a rift
They mended their long-standing rift.
- ひびが広がるa crack widens or spreads
The crack kept widening.