真空

しんくう

vacuum

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"真空" (しんくう) means "vacuum," referring to a space devoid of air or matter. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, packaging, and everyday expressions related to sealed or airless environments.

Common Collocations

  • 真空パック (vacuum pack): used for food preservation by removing air.
  • 真空状態 (vacuum state): describes an environment with no air, often in physics or space contexts.
  • 真空中 (in a vacuum): used when describing experiments or processes conducted without air.

Usage Notes

When using 真空, it often implies a technical or scientific context, but it also appears in everyday life, especially regarding food packaging. Be careful not to confuse 真空 with 空気 (air) or 空洞 (cavity). 真空 specifically means the absence of air or matter.

Register and Politeness

The term is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in technical or scientific discussions.

Example Sentences

しんくうぱっくのしょくひんはながもちします。

Vacuum-packed food lasts longer.

うちゅうはほとんどしんくうじょうたいです。

Space is almost a vacuum.

しんくうちゅうでのじっけんはとくべつなそうちがひつようです。

Experiments in a vacuum require special equipment.