77.空


1. Meaning and Reading

  • empty, sky
  • Onyomi : くう
  • Kunyomi : そら, から, ,

2. Kanji Explanation

  • 工 : tool
  • 穴 : hole

A tool (工) makes a hole (穴), leaving the inside empty, giving the meaning ‘empty’. It also means ‘sky’.

kanji illustration

3. Example Words

空気 くうき
air

The air is cold.

空港 くうこう
airport

I go to the airport to pick up my friend.

空っぽ からっぽ
empty

The inside of the box is empty.

空く あく
be empty, become vacant

This seat is empty.

空く すく
to get empty, to feel hungry

I get hungry.