fence

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 垣 denotes a fence or enclosure; its kun-reading is かき.
• Basic usage: 垣根(かきね) means fence or barrier, while 垣間見る(かいまみる) means to catch a glimpse.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A physical fence and an unseen boundary
  • A garden's 垣根 is a hedge that can be trimmed low. 部署の垣根を越えて figuratively means across departmental barriers.
  • 意外な一面を垣間見た means that someone caught a glimpse of an unexpected side. The verb also applies to learning a little about a person or a way of life through conversation or old photographs.