空虚

• Reading: くうきょ
• Romaji: kuukyo
• Kanji breakdown: 空 (kū/sora) — empty, sky; 虚 (kyo) — void, hollow, false
• Pronunciation: /kɯːkʲo/

Meaning

Emptiness; void; hollowness. Refers to a state of being devoid of substance, meaning, or content.

Used both literally (an empty space) and figuratively (an emotionally or spiritually empty state). Commonly describes a feeling of inner void or the hollowness of something that lacks genuine content or value. Functions as a noun and na-adjective.

Examples

1. 彼は成功を手に入れたが、心の中には空虚しか残らなかった。 He achieved success, but nothing remained in his heart except emptiness.
2. 長年積み上げてきた関係が一瞬で崩れ、空虚な日々が続いた。 A relationship built over many years crumbled in an instant, and days of emptiness followed.
3. その演説は言葉は多いが、内容は空虚で聴衆を失望させた。 The speech was full of words but empty in substance, leaving the audience disappointed.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, philosophy, psychology, criticism

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Compound of 空 (kū, emptiness/sky) and 虚 (kyo, void/hollow). Both characters carry the meaning of nothingness or absence, reinforcing each other in this compound.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated