Meaning and Usage
"空き" (あき) refers to a vacancy, opening, or free space. It is commonly used to talk about available seats, rooms, time slots, or any kind of empty spot.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "空き" when asking about room availability, checking schedules for free time, or noticing empty seats in public transport.
Collocations and Patterns
- 空きがありますか: Asking if there is a vacancy or availability.
- 空き時間: Free time or spare time.
- 空き席: Empty seat.
- 空き部屋: Vacant room.
Register and Nuance
"空き" is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When combined with polite verbs or expressions, it fits formal situations such as business or customer service.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "空き" with "空く" (あく), the verb meaning "to become empty" or "to be free." Remember, "空き" is a noun referring to the state or existence of a vacancy, while "空く" is the action of becoming empty.