When is rako used?

• Ovi on raollaan. The door is ajar.
• Aurinko paistaa pilvien raosta. The sun is peeping out from between the clouds.
• Kompastuttuaan Viren juoksi raon kiinni. Having tripped, Viren closed the gap (between him and the other runners).

NB. The Finnish sentence doesn't contain the words for between him and the other runners since it is understood. In addition, this phrase is only used in reference to sports events, notably running events.
• Jätä ikkuna raolleen. Crack the window please. Open the window a crack please.

NB. Finnish doesn't use anything for please in commands and the use of olkaa hyvä ja ~, etc. should be avoided at all costs.
• Voisitko lukea tämän, kun sopiva rako tulee?. Could you please read this when you get a minute?

NB. This phrase is somewhat slangy.

Rako's meanings

• long, narrow opening; can also be smallish
 
• gap
• slit
• crack
• cleft
• crevice
• rift
• breach
• moment (smallish or narrow opening in time : slangy)

Rako's synonyms

• aukko
• halkeama
• loma
• välimatka (about running)
• hetki (slang)

Verbs that are based on rako

• rakoilla
• to part, to break apart, to crack, to weaken, to splinter, to break, to fracture
• raottaa
• to open slightly, to leave ajar, to slightly move aside, to open a crack

Nouns that are based on rako

• rakoilu
• For instance, used about the Earth's crust for fissure formation, cracking. Also used figuratively to convey splintering.
• rakoäänne
• Used in phonology to mean fricative.