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空隙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
空隙kòngxìcrackHSK 7, n, rank #19096, Hard
空隙kòngxìgap between two objectsHSK 7, n, rank #19096, Hard
空隙kòngxìgap in time between two eventsHSK 7, n, rank #19096, Hard
kòngxì(kong4xi4) T4
  1. 1crack
  2. 2gap between two objects
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
空隙kòngxì(kong4xi4)

空隙 (kòng xì) refers to a physical or metaphorical gap or crack between two objects or events. It can describe a space in a physical sense, like a crack in a wall, or a temporal gap, such as the time between two scheduled events.

Frequency#19096DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 空隙 plays a crucial role, as traditional designs often incorporate gaps for ventilation and aesthetics, reflecting a harmony with nature.

Memory Tip

Think of 空 (kòng) as 'empty' and 隙 (xì) as 'crack.' Imagine an empty space (空) with a noticeable crack (隙) that separates two parts. Visualize a wall with a significant crack running through it to remember the meaning.

Meanings of 空隙

kòngxì(kong4xi4)
1crack
2gap between two objects
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 空隙

空隙Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#19096Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 空隙

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Podcast: 空隙

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AI Study Notes for 空隙

Quick Contrast

缝隙 (fèngxì) refers to a narrow opening or seam, typically smaller than 空隙, which indicates a wider or more significant gap.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 空 (kòng) as 'empty' and 隙 (xì) as 'crack.' Imagine an empty space (空) with a noticeable crack (隙) that separates two parts. Visualize a wall with a significant crack running through it to remember the meaning.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 空隙 with similar terms like 缝隙 (fèng xì), which specifically means a seam or crevice. 空隙 is more versatile, applicable in both physical and temporal contexts. Use it in both formal and informal settings, but ensure your tone matches the context.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 空隙 connects well with other advanced vocabulary regarding space and time, such as 时间 (shíjiān) for time and 位置 (wèizhì) for position. Focus on using it in sentences that describe comparisons or contrasts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 空隙 plays a crucial role, as traditional designs often incorporate gaps for ventilation and aesthetics, reflecting a harmony with nature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 空隙 to describe small spaces without context, such as saying '这个空隙很小' (This gap is very small) without specifying what it refers to. A better example would be '墙上的空隙' (the gap in the wall).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 空隙

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Component Characters

kōngempty
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry
crack
12 strokes
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Write 空隙

Practice writing 空隙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 空隙

空隙 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

只要前面出现一点____他就会亮起前车灯并超车.

He flashed his headlights and jumped lanes whenever a gap opened up.

Example Sentences for 空隙 (1)

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1
只要前面出现一点空隙他就会亮起前车灯并超车.

zhī yào qián miàn chū xiàn yī diǎn kōng xì tā jiù huì liàng qǐ qián chē dēng bìng chāo chē.

He flashed his headlights and jumped lanes whenever a gap opened up.

Cultural Notes for 空隙

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 空隙 plays a crucial role, as traditional designs often incorporate gaps for ventilation and aesthetics, reflecting a harmony with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions about 空隙

Some synonyms include 缝隙 (fèng xì) for a seam and 空白 (kòng bái) for a blank space.