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
Drill the tone of 空 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 空
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound.
cave
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 空
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half穴 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half工 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaycave
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 空? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 空?
Decomposition of 空
Identify the Components
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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.
Complete the Sentence
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.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "empty"?
Example Sentences for 空 (10)
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
Compound Meaning
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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