空
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used as a noun or の-adjective for a container, space, schedule slot, glass, wallet, etc. having nothing inside or no content.
This box is empty.
Please clear away the empty glasses.
unloaded; unburdened; empty-handed
Prefix use in compounds such as 空荷 and 空身, indicating that someone or something is carrying no load, baggage, or equipment. Everyday 'empty-handed' is often expressed with 手ぶら.
After unloading, the truck returned empty.
empty; false; insincere; no-show
Prefix use in fixed or semi-fixed compounds where something exists in name only or lacks sincerity, substance, or follow-through: 空手形 can mean an empty promise or dishonoured bill, 空元気 is forced cheerfulness, カラ予約 is a fake or no-show reservation, and 空世辞 is empty flattery.
That support measure ended up being an empty promise and was never carried out.
Even though he was tired, he was putting on a cheerful front.
To prevent no-show reservations, the restaurant asks for card information when customers book.
Usage patterns
- 空の〈物〉an empty ~ (container, box, etc.)
I threw away the empty bottle.
- 〈時〉が空だto have a free/open time slot
3 p.m. is open on my schedule.