Meanings of 空
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About 空
Podcast: 空
Podcast: 空
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AI study notes for 空
空 (kōng) vs 空虚 (kōngxū) — use 空 for physical emptiness or vacancy, while 空虚 emphasizes a sense of emptiness or hollowness, often in a metaphorical or emotional context.
Learners often confuse 空 with similar-sounding words, such as 空气 (kōngqì, air) or 空闲 (kōngxián, leisure time). This character is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts; however, ensure proper tone usage to convey the intended meaning accurately. Common collocations include 空房间 (kōng fángjiān, empty room) and 空中 (kōng zhōng, in the air).
As an HSK Level 4 word, 空 connects well with other words related to space and absence, like 有 (yǒu, to have) and 没有 (méiyǒu, to not have). Focus on practicing its use in sentences to solidify understanding, especially in contexts discussing time and space.
Learners often misuse 空 when they mean 'full' or 'occupied,' leading to errors like saying '这间房间是空的' (This room is full) instead of '空的.' Be careful to use 空 only when referring to something that is genuinely empty.
Pronunciation of 空
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Jason Explains 空 to you
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Learning Lab
Knowing 空 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.
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Etymology of 空
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound.
cave
Origin
空 = 穴 + 工. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 空
Parts
Which of these is part of 空?
How to say empty in Chinese
“empty” in Chinese is空
The character 空 (kōng) primarily means 'empty' or 'vacant.' It is commonly used in contexts relating to physical emptiness, such as an empty room, as well as metaphorical emptiness, like having free time. Additionally, it can refer to the sky or air, emphasizing its versatile usage in everyday language.
When to use 空
Learners often confuse 空 with similar-sounding words, such as 空气 (kōngqì, air) or 空闲 (kōngxián, leisure time). This character is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts; however, ensure proper tone usage to convey the intended meaning accurately. Common collocations include 空房间 (kōng fángjiān, empty room) and 空中 (kōng zhōng, in the air).
空 or something close to it
空 (kōng) vs 空虚 (kōngxū) — use 空 for physical emptiness or vacancy, while 空虚 emphasizes a sense of emptiness or hollowness, often in a metaphorical or emotional context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 空 when they mean 'full' or 'occupied,' leading to errors like saying '这间房间是空的' (This room is full) instead of '空的.' Be careful to use 空 only when referring to something that is genuinely empty.
Write 空
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Practice writing 空 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 空
空 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 11 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
舒服什么啊，办公室____调坏了。
Comfortable? The office AC is broken!
Common confusions with 空
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation.
Same initial consonant but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “empty”?
Example sentences for 空 (16)
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Cultural Notes for 空
在中国文化中，天空被视为一种重要的元素。古代中国人相信，天空是神灵居住的地方，代表着权力和希望。这个词‘空’也与宇宙的无限和空灵的概念相连。
Word Family of 空
Characters with 空
What does 控 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 空
Yes, 空 is used in various idioms and expressions in Chinese. For example, '空谈' (kōng tán) means 'empty talk' or 'talking in vain', emphasizing the idea of speaking without substance.
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