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March 24, 2026
空虚(空虛)kōngxū(kong1xu1)
空虚 (kōng xū) refers to a state of emptiness or hollowness, often used to describe a feeling of meaninglessness or lack of fulfillment. It can be applied in both emotional contexts, such as feeling empty inside, and physical contexts, like describing an object that is hollow. The term carries a nuance of profound emptiness rather than just a simple lack of content.
Strokes19Frequency#7679DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 空虚
kōngxū(kong1xu1)
1hollow
2emptiness
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 空虚
空虚Simplified
空虛Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#7679Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 空虚
Podcast: 空虚
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AI Study Notes for 空虚
Quick Contrast
空洞 (kōng dòng) - use 空虚 for emotional emptiness or lack of fulfillment, while 空洞 is more about physical hollowness.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 空虚
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空虚 (kōng xū) refers to a state of emptiness or hollowness, often used to describe a feeling of meaninglessness or lack of fulfillment. It can be applied in both emotional contexts, such as feeling empty inside, and physical contexts, like describing an object that is hollow. The term carries a nuance of profound emptiness rather than just a simple lack of content.
When to use 空虚
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.
空虚 or something close to it
空洞 (kōng dòng) - use 空虚 for emotional emptiness or lack of fulfillment, while 空洞 is more about physical hollowness.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 空虚
空
虚
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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 (10)
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nhollow9
1
她分手时说的话让他感觉空虚孤独。
tā fēn shǒu shí shuō de huà ràng tā gǎn jué kōng xū gū dú。
Her parting words left him feeling empty and alone.
The result later in life may be feelings of emptiness and depression.
3
迎合这种空虚理论的唯一方法是梦一般的服从.
yíng hé zhè zhǒng kōng xū lǐ lùn de wéi yī fāng fǎ shì mèng yī bān de fú cóng.
The only way to meet certain speculations is by a dreamy resignation.
4
他虽然事业有成，但内心总是觉得空虚，仿佛缺少了什么重要的东西。
Tā suīrán shìyè yǒuchéng, dàn nèixīn zǒng shì juéde kōngxū, fǎngfú quēshǎo le shénme zhòngyào de dōngxi.
Although he is successful in his career, he always feels hollow inside, as if something important is missing.
5
在繁忙的生活中，她常常感到空虚，像是在追逐一些无法填补的空白。
Zài fánmáng de shēnghuó zhōng, tā chángcháng gǎndào kōngxū, xiàng shì zài zhuīzhú yìxiē wúfǎ tiánbǔ de kòngbái.
In her busy life, she often feels hollow, as if she is chasing after an unfillable void.
6
尽管他拥有许多朋友，但他内心仍然感到空虚，没有真正的归属感。
Jǐnguǎn tā yǒngyǒu xǔduō péngyǒu, dàn tā nèixīn réngrán gǎndào kōngxū, méiyǒu zhēnzhèng de guīshǔ gǎn.
Even though he has many friends, he still feels hollow inside, lacking a true sense of belonging.
7
她在豪华的房子里生活，却觉得日子空虚，没有意义。
Tā zài háohuá de fángzi lǐ shēnghuó, què juédé rìzi kōngxū, méiyǒu yìyì.
She lives in a luxurious house but feels that her days are hollow and meaningless.
8
每当夜深人静时，他总会被一种挥之不去的空虚感笼罩。
Měidāng yèshēnrénjìng shí, tā zǒng huì bèi yī zhǒng huīzhībùqù de kōngxū gǎn lǒngzhào.
Whenever night falls, he is enveloped by an inescapable feeling of hollowness.
9
在物质丰盈的背后，他意识到精神上的空虚让他难以忍受。
Zài wùzhì fēngyíng de bèihòu, tā yìshídào jīngshén shàng de kōngxū ràng tā nányǐ rěnshòu.
Behind the material abundance, he realized that the spiritual hollowness was unbearable.
nemptiness1
10
即使在喧嚣的城市中，他依然感到一种无法摆脱的空虚。
Jíshǐ zài xuānxiāo de chéngshì zhōng, tā yīrán gǎndào yī zhǒng wúfǎ bǎituō de kōngxū.
Even in the bustling city, he still feels an inescapable emptiness.
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Cultural Notes for 空虚
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
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.
It usually has a negative connotation, implying a lack of fulfillment or meaning.
空虚 refers to a deeper sense of emptiness, while 寂寞 specifically relates to feelings of loneliness.
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