Meanings of 虛
By ear
Play it, then pick what 虛 means.
About 虛
Podcast: 虛
Podcast: 虛
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 虛
虚 (xū) vs 空 (kōng) — choose 虚 when emphasizing deception or worthlessness, while 空 focuses on physical emptiness.
Common mistakes include confusing 虛 with its antonyms, such as 實 (shí), which means 'real' or 'solid.' This character is used more in formal contexts, especially in literature or philosophy. Be cautious with tone, as a mispronounced tone can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 虛 is not officially part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to words about emptiness or lack, such as 空 (kōng, empty). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in idiomatic expressions and as an adjective in descriptive contexts.
Learners often confuse 虛 with the similar-sounding words that have opposite meanings, such as 實 (shí, real). An incorrect usage would be '這是虛的事實' (zhè shì xū de shìshí), which means 'this is a false fact'—it’s better to say '這是假的事實' (zhè shì jiǎ de shìshí).
Pronunciation of 虛
Drill the tone of 虛 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 虛 to you
Let me explain 虛 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 虛 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 虛?
Learning Lab
Knowing 虛 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 虛
A tiger 虍 stalking in the bushes 丱
Origin
What kind of character is 虛?
Decomposition of 虛
Parts
Which of these is part of 虛?
How to say false; worthless, hollow, empty; vain in Chinese
“false; worthless, hollow, empty; vain” in Chinese is虛
The character 虛 (xū) refers to something that is false, worthless, or lacking substance. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing an empty promise or a hollow victory, emphasizing the idea of emptiness or deception.
When to use 虛
Common mistakes include confusing 虛 with its antonyms, such as 實 (shí), which means 'real' or 'solid.' This character is used more in formal contexts, especially in literature or philosophy. Be cautious with tone, as a mispronounced tone can lead to misunderstandings.
虛 or something close to it
虚 (xū) vs 空 (kōng) — choose 虚 when emphasizing deception or worthlessness, while 空 focuses on physical emptiness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 虛 with the similar-sounding words that have opposite meanings, such as 實 (shí, real). An incorrect usage would be '這是虛的事實' (zhè shì xū de shìshí), which means 'this is a false fact'—it’s better to say '這是假的事實' (zhè shì jiǎ de shìshí).
Write 虛
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 虛 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 虛?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 虛
Characters with 虛
What does 虚 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 虛
You might encounter 虛假 (xūjiǎ), meaning 'false' or 'deceptive,' or 虛無 (xūwú), which refers to 'nothingness' or 'void.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 虛?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.