架空
Meanings
1
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
fictitious; imaginary; fabricated
Only with reading かくう
Describes something that does not exist in reality, such as a story, character, plan, or claim. Often used in formal and technical contexts.
The setting of that novel is a fictitious town.
His story was completely fabricated.
2
noun-modifying (irregular)
Rare prenominal use meaning 'aerial' or 'overhead', as in 架空線 (overhead wire). Not used as a standalone adjective in modern Japanese.
The term 架空線 refers to wires strung overhead.
Usage patterns
- 架空の〈人〉a fictional character/person
The protagonist of this novel is a fictional character.
- 架空の〈物〉a fictitious company, organization, or thing used in a scam or story
They set up a fictitious company to swindle people out of money.