Meaning and Usage
"空腹" (くうふく) means "empty stomach" or "hunger." It is a formal or medical term often used to describe the physical state of not having eaten for a while. It is common in health-related contexts, such as warnings about exercising or taking medicine on an empty stomach.
Common Collocations
- 空腹で (くうふくで): "on an empty stomach" — used to describe actions done without eating first, e.g., 空腹で運動する (exercise on an empty stomach).
- 空腹感 (くうふくかん): "feeling of hunger" — describes the sensation of being hungry.
- 空腹時 (くうふくじ): "at the time of empty stomach" — often used in instructions, like taking medicine.
Usage Notes
When using 空腹, speakers imply a physical state that can affect health or comfort. It is more formal than simply saying お腹がすいた (I'm hungry). Learners should avoid confusing 空腹 with 食欲 (appetite), which refers to the desire to eat rather than the physical emptiness.
Register
This word is typically used in formal or written contexts, such as medical advice, health discussions, or formal speech. In casual conversation, people usually say お腹がすいた instead.