rendija
/renˈdixa/feminine
The English word 'chink' can be translated into Spanish as either rendija or fisura.
Meaning: narrow opening (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rendija | /renˈdixa/ | feminine |
| fisura | /fiˈsuɾa/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to a narrow opening, but they are used in different contexts depending on the nature of the gap.
Which one should you use?
rendija is typically used for a narrow slit or gap, such as a crack in a door or a window shutter, through which light passes. In contrast, fisura is used for a crack or fissure in a solid surface like a wall, a rock or even skin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both rendija and fisura are feminine nouns. If you need to describe the action of filling an opening, you can use the verb rellenar.
How do you pronounce it?
/renˈdixa/
Did you know?
- The verb rellenar used for filling a 'chink' is also the standard term used when filling out a form or an application in Spanish.
- While English uses 'chink' in the idiom 'a chink in one's armor', Spanish speakers use fisura to describe a metaphorical weakness or a crack in a plan or personality.
- Because rendija is associated with shutters and blinds, it is frequently used in Spanish literature to evoke a sense of spying or voyeurism, as in looking through a 'rendija'.
Examples in context
- una rendija de luzA chink of light
- Hay una rendija en la puerta.There is a chink in the door.
- La luz entra por una pequeña rendija.The light comes in through a small chink.
- Puedo ver la calle por la rendija de la persiana.I can see the street through the chink in the blind.
Example conversation
Javier and María are in a dark room trying to see outside.
- MaríaJavier, ¿ves algo por la rendija?Javier, do you see anything through the chink?
- JavierSolo veo sombras en la rendija.I only see shadows in the chink.
- MaríaEs una rendija muy estrecha.It is a very narrow chink.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chink” translations and entries rendija, fisura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
