Translation guide
The act of making something hollow or the state of becoming hollow. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through different verbs and nouns depending on whether you are physically removing the inside of an object, describing a cavity, or using the term metaphorically (e.g., economic hollowing out).
To remove the inside of an object, creating a cavity or empty space.
The most common verb for physically hollowing out an object by scooping or carving out its interior. Often used for fruits, vegetables, wood, etc.
I hollowed out a pumpkin and made a lantern.
Literally 'to become hollowed out'. Often used in economic or social contexts (e.g., hollowing out of industry), but can also describe physical cavities forming.
The hollowing out of industry is progressing.
To gouge or scoop out, often with a sense of force or depth. Can be used for hollowing out, but implies a more aggressive or deeper removal.
I scooped out the avocado pit with a spoon.
A less common kanji for 'to hollow out' or 'to carve out', often used in literary or technical contexts.
To hollow out a tree and make a boat.
Describing something that has a cavity or empty space inside.
A noun meaning 'cavity' or 'hollow'. Can be used for physical hollows or metaphorical emptiness.
There is a hollow in the trunk of this tree.
Means 'hollow' or 'empty inside'. Often used for objects like pipes or balls.
Describes a hollow or empty state, often with a nuance of desolation or lack of substance. Can be used for physical hollowness or emotional emptiness.
The process of losing substance, core functions, or vitality, often used in economics or sociology.
The standard term for 'hollowing out' in economic contexts, such as deindustrialization or the loss of domestic manufacturing.
The hollowing out of the manufacturing industry is a problem.
Literally 'hollowing-out phenomenon', used in academic or journalistic writing.
Use くり抜く for physically scooping out the inside of something (e.g., a pumpkin, a melon). Use 空洞化する when talking about the process of becoming hollow, especially in abstract or economic contexts. 空洞化する is not used for manual actions.
Do not directly translate 'hollowing out' as 中を空にする in most contexts. While understandable, it sounds unnatural. Use the specific verbs or nouns above depending on the situation.
このパイプは中空になっている。
This pipe is hollow.
He has hollow eyes.
I am researching the hollowing-out phenomenon of cities.