空席
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
empty seat; unoccupied seat
Used for a seat that is not occupied or not yet reserved, especially on trains, planes, at events, or in restaurants. Also works as a no-adjective in phrases such as 空席の確認.
There are still empty seats on this train.
I checked the seat availability at the reception desk.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
vacancy; vacant post; unfilled position
Extends from an empty seat to an unfilled position, office, or membership slot. Common in formal or news-like contexts when a post remains unoccupied.
The president's post was vacant for half a year.
There are still two vacancies on the committee.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に空席があるthere are empty seats in 〈場所〉
There are still empty seats on this train.
- 空席ができるa vacancy opens up
The department head retired, and a vacancy opened up on the board.
- 空席を確認するto check for available seats
I checked seat availability on the airline's website.
- 空席を探すto look for an empty seat
I looked for an empty seat in the crowded restaurant.