Meaning
空虚 describes a feeling of emptiness, hollowness, or lack of substance, both literally and emotionally. It commonly refers to an inner sense of meaninglessness, spiritual emptiness, or psychological void. The word combines 空 (empty) and 虚 (void/unreal) to emphasize a profound absence of fulfillment or purpose.
Usage
Most commonly used to describe emotional or spiritual emptiness rather than physical space. Native speakers use 空虚 when talking about feelings of loneliness, lack of purpose, or dissatisfaction with life. It carries a somewhat literary or introspective tone and appears frequently in discussions about mental health, philosophy, or personal reflection.
Examples
- 01失业后，他感到生活很空虚。, .After losing his job, he felt his life was very empty.
- 02物质丰富了，但精神却很空虚。, .Material wealth has increased, but the spirit remains very hollow.
Characters
Common collocations
- 感到空虚to feel empty
- 内心空虚empty inside
- 精神空虚spiritually empty
- 空虚寂寞empty and lonely
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters independently mean 'empty' or 'void,' with 虚 adding a nuance of insubstantiality or unreality. The compound intensifies the sense of emptiness.