Translation guide
The English word 'blank' can refer to an empty space, a lack of expression, or a state of emptiness. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for these meanings.
Referring to a space left to be filled in, such as on a form, test, or document.
The most common word for a blank space on a form or document. Used in contexts like filling in blanks.
Please write your name in the blank.
Can mean a blank space, but also a gap or void. Often used in computing or more abstract contexts.
There are many blanks in this document.
Describing a face, look, or mind that shows no emotion or thought.
Literally 'expressionless'. Used for a blank face or stare.
He sat there with a blank expression.
Describes a vacant, blank, or absent-minded state. Often used for a blank look or mind.
She was looking out the window with a blank face.
Means hollow or vacant, often used for eyes or a blank stare. More literary.
Describing a mind that has gone blank, a memory lapse, or an empty screen/page.
Referring to ammunition that contains no bullet, used for training or signals.
Standard term for a blank cartridge.
We use blanks in training.
A missing element in a list, series, or set.
The loanword ブランク (buranku) is used mainly for a blank in a schedule, a gap in time, or a blank in a recording medium (like a blank CD). It is not used for forms, expressions, or minds going blank.
There is a blank in my schedule.
His blank eyes were striking.
記憶が空白だ。
My memory is blank.
The screen went blank.
There's a blank in the roster.