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adjective / noun / verb HSK 2
kōng / kòng
empty · vacant · sky · air · to empty · free time

Meaning

空 is a common character with two main pronunciations. As 'kōng', it means empty, vacant, or refers to the sky/air. As 'kòng', it means free time or leisure. The character depicts a worker under a roof with a hole, suggesting emptiness or space.

Usage

Native speakers use 空 (kōng) frequently to describe empty spaces, containers, or availability. When pronounced 'kòng', it's commonly used to ask if someone is free or available. The pronunciation changes based on context: 天空 (sky) uses kōng, while 有空 (have free time) uses kòng.

Examples

  1. 01
    你明天有空吗？
    Nǐ míngtiān yǒu kòng ma?
    Are you free tomorrow?
  2. 02
    这个房间是空的。
    Zhège fángjiān shì kōng de.
    This room is empty.

Common collocations

  • 有空
    yǒu kòng
    have free time
  • 空手
    kōng shǒu
    empty-handed
  • 空调
    kōngtiáo
    air conditioning
  • 空白
    kòngbái
    blank, empty space

Antonyms

Origin

The character combines 穴 (cave/hole) and 工 (work/worker), originally depicting a hollow space or emptiness.

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