间隙
jiàn xì · HSK 7
gap
🚪 间 between + 隙 crack = the gap between things; a crack of clearance
间 means between or space; 隙 means a crack or crevice. Together they name the empty interval left between two things. The 隙 half stacks 阝(mound) with cracks of light, fitting a narrow gap.
间 — gate 門 + sun 日 (originally moon 月)
Originally written 閒, showing the moon 月 shining through a gate 門 — the gap or space between the doors. The moon was later replaced by 日 (sun), giving the modern 间. The core meaning 'space/interval between' extended to time intervals, rooms, and the measure word for buildings.