空虚

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 空虚 (kōngxū) primarily describes a feeling or state of emptiness, hollowness, or lack of substance. It is often used to express emotional emptiness or a void inside a person, such as feeling lonely or meaningless. It can also describe physical spaces that are empty or bare.

Emotional Context

When used to describe feelings, 空虚 conveys a deep sense of inner emptiness or spiritual void. For example, someone might feel 空虚 after losing a loved one or when life feels purposeless.

Physical Description

空虚 can also describe places or objects that are literally empty or lacking content, such as an empty room or a hollow container.

Common Collocations

Usage Notes

空虚 is more formal and literary than simply saying empty (). It often carries a negative or melancholic tone, especially when describing emotions. Avoid confusing 空虚 with 虚假 (xūjiǎ), which means false or fake, despite alone meaning false. 空虚 focuses on emptiness rather than falseness.

Example Sentences

He feels very hollow inside and can't find meaning in life.

This room is empty and bare, it looks very desolate.

Behind his smile hides a sense of emptiness.