The kanji 穴 generally represents a "hole," "cave," or "opening." It signifies an empty space within a surface, often referring to a hollowed-out area or a natural cavity. It implies an entrance or a place of concealment. It can also figuratively represent a weakness or a gap.

・On-yomi (音読み): ケツ(ketsu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): あな(ana)

⚫︎ 穴場(anaba) Translation: Hidden gem; a secret or a lesser-known good place. ⚫︎ 穴が開く(ana ga aku) Translation: To have a hole open; to be perforated. ⚫︎ 金庫の穴(kinko no ana) Translation: The hole in the safe (figuratively: a weak point in a security system).

The kanji 穴 is a pictograph. It depicts the side view of a hole or a cave. The top part represents the roof of the cave or opening, and the bottom part signifies the inside. Over time, the form has simplified, but the essential meaning of an opening or a hollow space remains.