間

Between, Interval, Space

あいだ (aida), ま (ma)

JLPT N5

Interesting Fact

"The Art of Empty Space." One of Japan's most influential artistic concepts is 間 (ma), often translated as "space" or "pause." It appears in architecture, gardens, music, theater, and even conversation. The idea is that empty space isn't wasted space—it gives meaning to everything around it.

Memory Trick

The outer character is 門 (gate), while the inner character is 日 (sun). Imagine the sun shining through the gap between Torii Gate. The space between them forms 間(ma), meaning between or space.