空

• Pinyin: kōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 空 = 穴 (cave/hole) + 工 (work), suggesting hollowness or emptiness

Meaning

Empty; vacant; free (of time). Describes a state of being unoccupied, blank, or having available time.

Pronounced kōng when meaning 'empty' or 'vacant,' and kòng when meaning 'free time' or 'blank space.' As an adjective, describes physical emptiness or lack of content. In everyday speech, 有空 (yǒu kòng, to have free time) is extremely common.

Examples

1. 这个座位是空的，你可以坐。 This seat is empty; you can sit here.
2. 你明天有空吗？我想请你吃饭。 Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to treat you to a meal.
3. 冰箱里是空的，我们去买菜吧。 The fridge is empty; let's go buy some groceries.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, scheduling

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 这个房间是空的。(This room is empty.)
• 你什么时候有空？(When are you free?)

Don't Say

• 我的心情很空。(Don't use 空 to describe emotional emptiness — use 空虚 instead; 空 alone refers to physical emptiness or free time)

Origin & History

穴 (cave, hole) + 工 (work, tool). The cave radical suggests hollowness, giving rise to the meaning of 'empty.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal