Translation guide
The English word 'empty' describes a lack of contents, people, or meaning. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for physical emptiness, vacancy, hollowness, and metaphorical emptiness.
Describing a container, space, or place that has nothing inside it.
The most common and versatile word for 'empty' in everyday speech. Used for containers, rooms, and spaces that lack contents.
箱は空っぽだ。
The box is empty.
冷蔵庫が空っぽになった。
The fridge has become empty.
Also means 'empty', often used as a prefix or in set phrases. Slightly more formal than 空っぽ.
Means 'empty' or 'vacant' when referring to rooms, seats, or positions. Often used as a noun prefix.
空き部屋はありますか？
Do you have any vacant rooms?
空き缶
empty can
Describing a place or seat that has no one in it.
The standard way to say a seat, room, or place is empty/unoccupied. Uses the verb 空く (あく).
この席は空いていますか？
Is this seat empty?
店は空いていた。
The store was empty (of customers).
Literally 'no person', used for unmanned stations, deserted places, or automated services.
Onomatopoeic word describing a place that is nearly empty or sparsely attended, like a rattling empty train.
Describing something that is not solid inside, like a tube or a shell.
Describing words, promises, or feelings that lack sincerity or depth.
Means 'empty' in a metaphorical sense: hollow, vain, or meaningless. Often used for feelings or abstract concepts.
Describes a vacant, hollow expression or feeling. Often used for eyes or atmosphere.
虚ろな目
empty eyes
Literally 'meaningless'. Can be used when 'empty' means pointless or without significance.
無意味な約束
an empty promise
Expressing the action of making something empty or the state of becoming empty.
Transitive verb phrase meaning 'to empty something'.
箱を空にしてください。
Please empty the box.
Intransitive verb phrase meaning 'to become empty'.
部屋が空になった。
The room became empty.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become empty/vacant'. Used for seats, rooms, or time slots.
席が空いた。
A seat became empty.
Transitive verb meaning 'to empty/vacate'. Used for making a seat or room available.
空っぽ (からっぽ) is the most colloquial and emphasizes complete emptiness. 空 (から) is often used as a noun modifier (空の箱) and can sound slightly more formal. 空き (あき) is used for vacancy or availability, not just physical emptiness.
While 空虚 (くうきょ) can be used for emotional emptiness, it is somewhat literary. In casual conversation, phrases like 心が満たされない (こころがみたされない, 'my heart is unfulfilled') or むなしい (feeling empty/futile) are more natural.
電車ががらがらだった。
The train was almost empty.
中空のパイプ
a hollow pipe
Please vacate the seat.