noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
virtual image
Physics term for an image formed by diverging rays, as in a mirror or lens. Contrasts with 実像 (real image).
See also: 実像 (じつぞう)
鏡に映る自分の姿は虚像だ。
The reflection of yourself in a mirror is a virtual image.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
false image; pretense; façade
Figurative use for an illusion, a fabricated appearance, or something that is not real. Often used in contrast with 実像 (true image).
See also: 実像 (じつぞう)
メディアが作り出す虚像に惑わされてはいけない。
Don't be misled by the false images created by the media.
彼の優しさは虚像に過ぎなかった。
His kindness was nothing more than a pretense.
実像 is the real image formed by actually converging light rays (or the true, unembellished state of something), while 虚像 is the virtual image or false façade that is its direct opposite.
Compound of 虚 (kyo, 'false, empty') and 像 (zō, 'image, figure'). The figurative sense extends the physics term.