Translation guide
The English word 'vacuum' can refer to a physical void, a cleaning device, or a figurative absence. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a space devoid of matter, often in scientific or technical contexts.
The standard term for a physical vacuum, used in science and engineering.
Space is a vacuum.
Create a vacuum state.
Referring to the household appliance used for cleaning floors.
Describing a lack of something, such as a power vacuum or emotional emptiness.
Means 'blank' or 'void', often used for gaps in information, power, or time.
Conveys emptiness or hollowness, often in an emotional or philosophical sense.
Can be used metaphorically for a complete absence, but less common than 空白.
Describing the action of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.
While 真空 means 'vacuum' in the scientific sense, it is never used to mean 'vacuum cleaner'. Always use 掃除機 for the appliance.
buy a vacuum cleaner
I need to vacuum the living room.
The experiment requires a vacuum.
handheld vacuum cleaner
I feel a void in my heart.
情報の真空地帯
information vacuum zone