to fill in a blank (e.g. on questionnaire or exam paper)
HSK 4, v, rank #49856, Hard
tiánkòng(tian2kong4) T2
1to fill a job vacancy
2to fill in a blank (e.g. on questionnaire or exam paper)
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March 24, 2026
填空tiánkòng(tian2kong4)
The verb 填空 (tiánkòng) refers to the action of filling in a blank space, such as in a questionnaire or exam paper. It can also mean filling a job vacancy, indicating the act of finding a person to take on a specific role or position within an organization.
Frequency#49856DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese educational practices, 填空 exercises are common in exams, reflecting a focus on knowledge retention and recall, which is highly valued in the education system.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant empty box (空) that needs to be filled (填) with colorful balls. Each ball represents different information or a candidate for a job, helping you recall that 填空 means to fill a space with something important.
Meanings of 填空
tiánkòng(tian2kong4)
1to fill a job vacancy
2to fill in a blank (e.g. on questionnaire or exam paper)
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AI Study Notes for 填空
Quick Contrast
填充 (tiánchōng) — use 填空 when emphasizing filling in a blank specifically, while 填充 is broader, often referring to filling something up more generally.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant empty box (空) that needs to be filled (填) with colorful balls. Each ball represents different information or a candidate for a job, helping you recall that 填空 means to fill a space with something important.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 填空 with 填写 (tiánxiě), which means to fill out a form rather than just fill in blanks. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but tone is critical; ensure you pronounce the tones correctly to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 填空 connects with other vocabulary related to education and employment. Students should focus on using it in sentences related to job applications or academic tasks, reinforcing its practical applications.
Cultural Note
In Chinese educational practices, 填空 exercises are common in exams, reflecting a focus on knowledge retention and recall, which is highly valued in the education system.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 填空 with 填写. For example, saying 填空 a form is incorrect; it should be 填写 a form. Ensure you use 填空 specifically for blanks.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 填空
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Cultural Notes for 填空
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese educational practices, 填空 exercises are common in exams, reflecting a focus on knowledge retention and recall, which is highly valued in the education system.
Frequently Asked Questions about 填空
You can use 填空 when discussing filling out tests, forms, or job applications.
Yes, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, 填写 (tiánxiě) is similar but focuses more on filling out entire forms.
