風穴
also: かぜあな
Meanings
1
General term for an opening that lets air or wind pass through, such as a ventilation hole or a natural fissure.
We made an air hole in the wall to improve ventilation.
There was a small windhole deep inside the cave.
2
deep cave with cold wind
Specific geological term for a deep cave from which cold wind blows, often due to temperature differences; also read ふうけつ in this sense.
See also: 風穴 (ふうけつ)
Caves called 'wind caves' are scattered throughout this region.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に風穴が開くfor an air hole/vent to form in something
There was a vent hole open in the wall.
- 風穴から〈物〉が吹き出すfor cold wind to blow out from a wind cave
Cold wind blows continuously out of the wind cave all year round.
Expressions
- 風穴を開けるpierce a body; make a hole in a body · breathe new life into; provide a breakthrough