Meanings of 空虚
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About 空虚
Podcast: 空虚
Podcast: 空虚
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AI Study Notes for 空虚
空洞 (kōng dòng) - use 空虚 for emotional emptiness or lack of fulfillment, while 空洞 is more about physical hollowness.
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 空虚
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Component Characters
How to say hollow in Chinese
“hollow” in Chinese is空虚
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
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Practice writing 空虚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Complete the Sentence
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 (3)
Cultural Notes for 空虚
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.
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