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.
The box is empty.
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.
Do you have any vacant rooms?
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).
Is this seat empty?
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.
Literally 'meaningless'. Can be used when 'empty' means pointless or without significance.
Expressing the action of making something empty or the state of becoming empty.
Transitive verb phrase meaning 'to empty something'.
Please empty the box.
Intransitive verb phrase meaning 'to become empty'.
The room became empty.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become empty/vacant'. Used for seats, rooms, or time slots.
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.
unmanned station
deserted island
電車ががらがらだった。
The train was almost empty.
中空のパイプ
a hollow pipe
empty eyes
an empty promise
A seat became empty.
Please vacate the seat.