虚脱

• Reading: きょだつ
• Romaji: kyodatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 虚 (kyo) — empty, void; 脱 (datsu) — escape, shed
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.da.tsɯ/

Meaning

Prostration; collapse; despondency; lethargy. A state of complete emotional or physical emptiness following intense exertion, shock, or disappointment.

A noun and suru-verb (虚脱する) describing the hollow, emptied-out feeling that follows a great effort or a severe blow. The compound 虚脱感 (a sense of emptiness/lethargy) is very common. It differs from 疲労 (fatigue) in that it is primarily psychological — a draining of the will and energy rather than the body alone.

Examples

1. 試合に敗れた後、選手たちは虚脱状態に陥った。 After losing the match, the players fell into a state of total prostration.
2. 長期プロジェクトが終わり、虚脱感に包まれた。 When the long-term project was finally over, a sense of emptiness enveloped me.
3. 彼は大きな失望を経験したあと、しばらく虚脱していた。 After experiencing such a profound disappointment, he remained in a listless daze for some time.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, sports, post-project recovery

Tone: subdued

Origin & History

From 虚 (kyo) meaning 'empty' or 'void' and 脱 (datsu) meaning 'to escape' or 'to shed.' The combination evokes the sense of vital energy having fled, leaving an empty shell.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal