Meanings of 空虚
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 空虚
Podcast: 空虚
Podcast: 空虚
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 空虚
空洞 (kōng dòng) - use 空虚 for emotional emptiness or lack of fulfillment, while 空洞 is more about physical hollowness.
Imagine a large, empty room (空) that echoes with every sound you make, signifying emptiness (虚). The sound bouncing off the walls represents the hollowness of your surroundings, reinforcing the concept of 空虚. Remember: 'Kong' sounds like 'cone' which can be hollow inside, just like the feeling of emptiness.
Learners often confuse 空虚 with similar terms like 空 (kōng) which means 'empty' in a more physical sense. This word is more abstract and is often used in formal contexts, such as literature or philosophical discussions. Be careful with the tones: both characters are pronounced with the first tone and the first tone respectively.
As an HSK 6 word, 空虚 connects well with other abstract concepts like 理想 (lǐxiǎng - ideal) or 价值 (jiàzhí - value). Students should focus on understanding the emotional connotations and practice using it in sentences that express feelings of emptiness or lack of purpose.
In Chinese literature and philosophy, the concept of 空虚 is often linked to existential themes, exploring the significance of life and the void that can accompany modern existence. This idea resonates in works of contemporary authors who address the struggles of finding meaning.
Learners might mistakenly use 空虚 to describe a physical lack of something, e.g., '这杯子是空虚的 (This cup is empty)' instead of the correct '这杯子是空的 (This cup is empty).' Remember that 空虚 is more abstract.
Pronunciation of 空虚
Drill the tone of 空虚 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 空虚
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 空虚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 空虚
空虚 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
她分手时说的话让他感觉____孤独。
Her parting words left him feeling empty and alone.
Example Sentences for 空虚 (3)
Cultural Notes for 空虚
In Chinese literature and philosophy, the concept of 空虚 is often linked to existential themes, exploring the significance of life and the void that can accompany modern existence. This idea resonates in works of contemporary authors who address the struggles of finding meaning.
The idea of emptiness in Chinese culture can be akin to existentialist themes in Western literature, but it often carries a more profound spiritual dimension in Chinese thought.
Frequently Asked Questions about 空虚
Not typically; it's more commonly used in emotional or philosophical contexts.