noun
A long narrow cut or depression on a surface, such as a groove in wood, a tire tread, or a wrinkle-like line.
タイヤの溝がすり減っている。
The tire tread is worn down.
板に溝を彫る。
Carve a groove into the board.
noun
Figurative use for a deep division or disconnect between people, groups, or countries, often implying difficulty in bridging the difference.
両者の間には深い溝がある。
There is a deep rift between the two sides.
世代間の溝を埋めるのは難しい。
It is difficult to bridge the generation gap.
The kanji 溝 combines 氵 (water) and 冓 (a structure or framework), suggesting a water channel. The reading みぞ is a native Japanese word for a ditch or groove.