When something is 空的 (kōng de), it means it's empty. Imagine a box with nothing inside – it's empty. Or a glass with no water – it's empty.
We use 空的 to describe things that have nothing in them. It's a useful word when you want to say something needs to be filled. For example, your stomach could be 空的 if you haven't eaten!
When talking about something that is empty, like a cup or a room, you'll use 空的 (kōng de). It's a straightforward adjective meaning 'empty'.
You can use it directly after a noun, for example, 空的杯子 (kōng de bēizi) means 'empty cup'. Alternatively, you can use it in a sentence structure like 'subject + 是 + 空的', such as 这个房间是空的 (zhège fángjiān shì kōng de), meaning 'This room is empty'.
Remember that the '的 (de)' particle is important here as it acts as a structural particle, turning 'empty' into an adjective that modifies a noun or completes the predicate.
§ Using 空的 (kōngde) to describe places, not people
One of the most common errors English speakers make is trying to use 空的 (kōngde) to describe a person who feels empty or sad. In English, we might say 'I feel empty inside,' but in Chinese, 空的 (kōngde) is typically used for physical emptiness – an empty bottle, an empty room, an empty stomach. You wouldn't use it to describe an emotional state. If you want to say someone feels sad or emotionally empty, you'd use different words like 伤心 (shāngxīn - sad) or 感到空虚 (gǎndào kōngxū - feel hollow/empty, in a more existential sense).
§ Forgetting the '的' (de) when appropriate
空的 (kōngde) is an adjective, and the '的' (de) particle is often crucial. While sometimes you can drop '的' (de) with monosyllabic adjectives before a noun, with 空 (kōng), especially when it's functioning directly as an adjective modifying a noun, keeping '的' (de) is usually more natural, forming 空的 (kōngde). Omitting it might sound awkward or even change the meaning slightly depending on context (e.g., 空房间 vs. 空的房间). While 空 can sometimes stand alone as a verb (to empty) or a noun (emptiness), as an adjective meaning 'empty,' 空的 (kōngde) is your go-to.
- Correct
- 这个瓶子是空的。(Zhège píngzi shì kōngde. - This bottle is empty.)
- Less natural (in this context)
- 这个瓶子很空。(Zhège píngzi hěn kōng. - This bottle is very empty. - While grammatically possible, '是空的' is more common for stating it *is* empty.)
§ Confusing it with other 'empty' related terms
Chinese has several ways to express ideas related to 'empty.' Don't just default to 空的 (kōngde) for every situation. Here are a few examples where 空的 (kōngde) might not be the best choice:
- When something is vacant or unoccupied (like a job position or a seat): While you could say 空的座位 (kōngde zuòwèi - empty seat), more commonly you might hear 没人坐的座位 (méi rén zuò de zuòwèi - seat with no one sitting) or simply 空位 (kōngwèi - vacant seat). For a job vacancy, you'd use 职位空缺 (zhíwèi kōngquē - job vacancy).
- When something is hollow: If you mean 'hollow' in the sense of not solid inside, like a hollow log, you'd use something like 空心 (kōngxīn).
- When an area is deserted or desolate: For a deserted street, you might use 荒凉 (huāngliáng - desolate) or 没人 (méi rén - no people).
这间屋子是空的。(Zhè jiān wūzi shì kōngde. - This room is empty.)
我饿了，我的肚子是空的。(Wǒ è le, wǒ de dùzi shì kōngde. - I'm hungry, my stomach is empty.)
§ Understanding 空的 (kōngde)
空的 (kōngde) is an adjective. It means 'empty'. You'll use it for things that are literally empty, like a cup, a room, or a box. Think of it as the most straightforward way to say something has nothing inside.
- DEFINITION
- Empty.
这个杯子是空的。(Zhège bēizi shì kōngde.)
房间是空的，没有人。(Fángjiān shì kōngde, méiyǒu rén.)
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 空的 (kōngde) is your go-to for 'empty', there are other words and phrases that can express similar ideas but with different nuances or in different contexts. Let's break them down.
§ 空 (kōng) - without 的 (de)
Sometimes you'll see 空 (kōng) without 的 (de). When used alone, 空 can act as a verb meaning 'to empty' or 'to vacate', or as a noun meaning 'sky' or 'air'. It can also be used as an adjective, but usually in more fixed expressions or literary contexts. For general descriptions of something being empty, stick with 空的 (kōngde).
- As a verb:
请把盒子空出来。(Qǐng bǎ hézi kōng chūlái.)
Please empty the box. - As a noun:
天上的空很蓝。(Tiānshàng de kōng hěn lán.)
The sky is very blue.
§ 没东西 (méi dōngxi) - 'no stuff' / 'nothing inside'
This literally means 'no things' or 'there is no stuff'. It's a very casual and direct way to say something is empty, especially when you're talking about the contents.
冰箱里没东西了。(Bīngxiāng lǐ méi dōngxile.)
§ 没用 (méi yòng) - 'useless' / 'no use'
This means 'useless' or 'no use'. It's related to emptiness in a metaphorical sense, like 'empty words' or 'empty promises', but you wouldn't use it to describe a physically empty container.
这些话都没用。(Zhèxiē huà dōu méi yòng.)
§ Choosing the right word
For most situations where you want to describe an object as physically empty, stick with 空的 (kōngde). It's clear, direct, and grammatically correct for general use.
- Use 空的 (kōngde) for: physical emptiness of containers, rooms, or spaces.
- Use 空 (kōng) without 的 (de): as a verb to empty something, or as a noun for sky/air. Less common as an adjective in everyday speech for 'empty'.
- Use 没东西 (méi dōngxi): for a casual way to say there's nothing inside. It's more about the absence of contents.
- Avoid 没用 (méi yòng): when talking about physical emptiness. It refers to being useless or ineffective.
Keep it simple. When in doubt, 空的 (kōngde) is usually your best bet for 'empty'.
रोचक तथ्य
The character '空' (kōng) is also used in other compounds with various meanings related to emptiness or space, such as '空间' (kōngjiān, space) or '空气' (kōngqì, air).
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Can be used as a predicate: subject + 是 (optional) + 空的. If '是' is used, it often implies a state rather than an inherent quality.
这个房间是空的。 (Zhège fángjiān shì kōng de.) - This room is empty.
Can be used as an attributive: 空的 + noun. It describes the noun directly.
这是一个空的瓶子。 (Zhè shì yīgè kōng de píngzi.) - This is an empty bottle.
Can be used with adverbs of degree before it to indicate intensity, such as '很' (hěn - very) or '非常' (fēicháng - extremely).
杯子很空的。 (Bēizi hěn kōng de.) - The cup is very empty.
Can describe physical emptiness (e.g., a container, a room) or abstract emptiness (e.g., a feeling, a space in time).
他的心是空的。 (Tā de xīn shì kōng de.) - His heart is empty.
Often appears with the structural particle '的' (de) when used as an adjective, indicating a descriptive quality. While '空' (kōng) can also mean empty, '空的' specifically functions as an adjective.
口袋是空的。 (Kǒudài shì kōng de.) - The pocket is empty.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
这个杯子是空的。
This cup is empty.
我的钱包是空的。
My wallet is empty.
房间里是空的。
The room is empty inside.
冰箱里几乎是空的。
The refrigerator is almost empty.
他手里拿着一个空的盒子。
He is holding an empty box in his hand.
我的电池快空的了。
My battery is almost empty.
这辆巴士是空的，没有人。
This bus is empty, there is no one.
他走的时候，把屋子弄空的了。
When he left, he emptied the room.
面对空荡荡的房间，她感到前所未有的孤独。
Facing the empty room, she felt an unprecedented loneliness.
他的理论听起来头头是道，但实际上内容空洞，经不起推敲。
His theory sounded plausible, but in reality, the content was empty and couldn't withstand scrutiny.
尽管他拥有了财富和地位，内心深处却依然感到空虚。
Although he possessed wealth and status, deep down, he still felt empty.
这项提议之所以被搁置，是因为其中包含太多空泛的承诺。
This proposal was shelved because it contained too many empty promises.
经过一番努力，她终于把心中积压的郁闷和空茫排解了出来。
After some effort, she finally released the accumulated depression and emptiness in her heart.
我们不能满足于空谈，必须付诸行动来解决实际问题。
We cannot be satisfied with empty talk; we must take action to solve practical problems.
虽然舞台上灯火辉煌，但观众席却显得空空荡荡，令人唏嘘。
Although the stage was brightly lit, the audience seats were empty, which was regrettable.
他的人生目标不再是追求虚无的空名，而是致力于为社会做贡献。
His life goal is no longer to pursue an empty reputation, but to dedicate himself to contributing to society.
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
This is the direct opposite of '空的', meaning 'full'.
Literally 'to have' or 'there is/are'. When something '没有' (méiyǒu), it can imply it's empty or absent.
Meaning 'solid', which is the opposite of being hollow or empty inside.
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Often confused with '空的' because they both relate to emptiness. '空' can be a noun meaning 'sky' or 'air', an adjective meaning 'empty' (like '空的'), or a verb meaning 'to empty out'.
While '空' can mean 'empty' as an adjective, '空的' is specifically the adjectival form often used to describe something that *is* empty. '空' has a broader range of uses.
这个房间是空的 (Zhège fángjiān shì kōngde - This room is empty).
Both relate to something being blank or empty, especially in the context of forms or spaces.
'空白' specifically refers to a blank space or a void, like a blank sheet of paper or an empty section on a form. '空的' is more general for something being empty.
请把空白处填好 (Qǐng bǎ kòngbái chù tián hǎo - Please fill in the blank spaces).
Both relate to a state of not being occupied, but in different contexts.
'空闲' specifically refers to free time or being at leisure, not busy. '空的' refers to something literally being empty of contents or people.
我今天下午有空闲时间 (Wǒ jīntiān xiàwǔ yǒu kòngxián shíjiān - I have free time this afternoon).
Both suggest emptiness or a void.
'虚空' is a more abstract and philosophical term, referring to a void, nothingness, or the vastness of space. '空的' is practical, describing a tangible object's state of being empty.
宇宙是浩瀚的虚空 (Yǔzhòu shì hàohàn de xūkōng - The universe is a vast void).
Both can describe something as empty or lacking substance.
'空洞' often implies something is empty in a negative sense, like a hollow sound, empty words, or a vacuous gaze. It can also refer to a physical hollow. '空的' is simply descriptive of emptiness without the negative connotation.
他的话听起来很空洞 (Tā de huà tīng qǐlái hěn kōngdòng - His words sound very hollow/empty).
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Imagine a Kung Fu master (sounds like 空 Kōng) meditating in an **empty** temple.
दृश्य संबंध
Picture a **empty** red envelope (红包 hóngbāo) that's usually full of money during Chinese New Year. It's **空的** (kōngde).
Word Web
चैलेंज
Describe five things around you that are empty using '空的'.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Simplified Chinese characters.
मूल अर्थ: 空 (kōng) originally referred to the sky or air, and it can also mean empty or hollow. 的 (de) is a structural particle.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Mandarin Chinese.सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
<p>In Chinese culture, the concept of 'empty' can carry various nuanced meanings. For example, '空' can be associated with Buddhist concepts of emptiness or impermanence. It's also used in everyday expressions like '空手' (kōngshǒu), meaning empty-handed.</p>
खुद को परखो 72 सवाल
这个杯子是___的。
The sentence means 'This cup is empty.' '空' (kōng) means empty.
房间里___没有人。
The sentence means 'The room is empty, there is no one inside.' '空' (kōng) describes the state of the room.
我的钱包___了。
The sentence means 'My wallet is empty.' '空' (kōng) is used to describe an empty wallet.
这个盒子是___的吗？
The sentence means 'Is this box empty?' '空' (kōng) is the correct adjective to ask if something is empty.
冰箱里什么都___。
The sentence means 'The refrigerator is empty, there is nothing inside.' '空' (kōng) indicates the absence of things.
他手里的袋子是___的。
The sentence means 'The bag in his hand is empty.' '空' (kōng) is used to describe the state of the bag.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 瓶子是___的。
The sentence means 'The bottle is empty.' '空的' means empty.
Which word describes a box with nothing inside?
'空的' means empty, which describes a box with nothing inside.
My cup is ______. I need to fill it with water. 我的杯子是___的。
If you need to fill a cup with water, it means the cup is empty. '空的' means empty.
The sentence '这个房间是空的' means 'This room is full.'
No, '这个房间是空的' means 'This room is empty.'
If your stomach is '空的', it means you are hungry.
Yes, if your stomach is empty ('空的'), it means you are hungry.
A book that has no pages is '空的'.
No, '空的' refers to something being empty, not lacking pages. A book without pages would be incomplete, not empty in the sense of '空的'.
Describe an empty room in Chinese using '空的'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
房间是空的。
Write a short sentence in Chinese about an empty cup.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个杯子是空的。
Imagine your bag has nothing in it. How would you say 'My bag is empty' in Chinese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的包是空的。
桌子上面有什么？
Read this passage:
这张桌子是空的。上面没有书。
桌子上面有什么？
The passage states '上面没有书' (there are no books on it), and '这张桌子是空的' (this table is empty), meaning there is nothing on it.
The passage states '上面没有书' (there are no books on it), and '这张桌子是空的' (this table is empty), meaning there is nothing on it.
Why does the person want to eat fruit?
Read this passage:
这个盘子是空的，我想吃水果。
Why does the person want to eat fruit?
The sentence '这个盘子是空的' means 'This plate is empty', implying the person wants to fill it or eat something.
The sentence '这个盘子是空的' means 'This plate is empty', implying the person wants to fill it or eat something.
What needs to be done?
Read this passage:
冰箱里是空的，我们需要去商店。
What needs to be done?
The passage states '冰箱里是空的' (the refrigerator is empty) and '我们需要去商店' (we need to go to the store).
The passage states '冰箱里是空的' (the refrigerator is empty) and '我们需要去商店' (we need to go to the store).
Describe a time you saw something empty. For example, an empty bottle or an empty room. Use '空的' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我看到一个空的瓶子。里面没有水。 (Wǒ kàn dào yīgè kōng de píngzi. Lǐmiàn méiyǒu shuǐ.) I saw an empty bottle. There was no water inside.
Imagine you are cleaning a house. What items might be '空的' after you finish cleaning or before you start? Write two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个盒子是空的。架子也是空的。 (Zhège hézi shì kōng de. Jiàzi yě shì kōng de.) This box is empty. The shelf is also empty.
Write a short sentence about why a bus or train seat might be '空的'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个座位是空的，因为没有人坐。 (Zhège zuòwèi shì kōng de, yīnwèi méiyǒu rén zuò.) This seat is empty because no one is sitting there.
杯子里有什么？
Read this passage:
桌子上有一个杯子。这个杯子是空的。我想喝水，但是杯子里没有水。
杯子里有什么？
文章说杯子是空的，所以里面什么都没有。
文章说杯子是空的，所以里面什么都没有。
房间里有什么？
Read this passage:
这个房间很大，但是里面是空的。没有家具，也没有人。我觉得很安静。
房间里有什么？
文章说房间是空的，没有家具，也没有人。
文章说房间是空的，没有家具，也没有人。
为什么冰箱是空的？
Read this passage:
冰箱现在是空的。我需要去超市买一些食物。我家里没有鸡蛋和牛奶了。
为什么冰箱是空的？
文章说冰箱是空的，我需要去超市买食物，这表示冰箱空了是因为没有食物了。
文章说冰箱是空的，我需要去超市买食物，这表示冰箱空了是因为没有食物了。
Choose the sentence where '空的' is used correctly to mean 'empty'.
In this sentence, '空的' directly describes the state of the room as being empty. The other options use '空' in different contexts like 'free time' or 'empty-handed', which are related but not the direct 'empty' meaning of '空的' as an adjective.
Which sentence best describes a container being empty?
This sentence clearly indicates that the bottle is devoid of contents, which is the core meaning of '空的'. Other options use '空' metaphorically or in different phrases.
If someone says '我的钱包是空的', what do they mean?
'钱包是空的' is a common way to say that one's wallet contains no money, meaning it's empty of its usual contents.
你今天有空吗？ (Do you have free time today?) uses '空' to mean 'empty' in the sense of a physical space.
No, in '你今天有空吗？', '空' means 'free time' or 'available', not 'empty' in the sense of a physical space being vacant.
当我看到一个空的杯子时，我可以说 '这个杯子是空的'。(When I see an empty cup, I can say 'This cup is empty'.)
Yes, '这个杯子是空的' is the correct and natural way to describe an empty cup using '空的'.
'心里空空的' (My heart feels empty) implies a feeling of being full or content.
No, '心里空空的' implies a feeling of emptiness, loneliness, or lack, not fullness or contentment.
Listen to the sentence about an empty cup.
Listen to the sentence about an empty bag.
Listen to the sentence describing an empty room.
Read this aloud:
这个盒子是空的吗？
Focus: kong de
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你的冰箱是不是空的？
Focus: bing xiang shi bu shi kong de
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请把这个空的瓶子扔掉。
Focus: kong de ping zi
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're describing your kitchen to a friend. Write a sentence or two mentioning an 'empty' container or space.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的厨房里，那个饼干盒是空的，因为我昨天都吃完了。 (In my kitchen, that cookie box is empty because I ate them all yesterday.)
You are at a restaurant. Write a sentence complaining that your water glass is empty.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
服务员，我的水杯是空的，可以帮我加水吗？ (Waiter, my water glass is empty, could you please refill it for me?)
Describe a time you felt 'empty' emotionally, using the word '空的' metaphorically.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
考试结束后，我感到心里空空的，不知道接下来该做什么。 (After the exam, I felt empty inside, not knowing what to do next.)
根据这段话，为什么货架是空的？
Read this passage:
商店里人很少，货架上很多地方都是空的。我问店员是不是刚补过货，店员说不是，只是最近买的人不多。
根据这段话，为什么货架是空的？
文章中明确提到“只是最近买的人不多”，所以货架是空的。
文章中明确提到“只是最近买的人不多”，所以货架是空的。
他为什么决定出去吃饭？
Read this passage:
他打开冰箱，发现里面空空的，什么都没有。他叹了口气，决定出去吃饭。他最想吃的是饺子。
他为什么决定出去吃饭？
短文中提到“发现里面空空的，什么都没有”，所以他出去吃饭是因为冰箱里没有食物。
短文中提到“发现里面空空的，什么都没有”，所以他出去吃饭是因为冰箱里没有食物。
为什么假期的时候街道会是空的？
Read this passage:
这个城市在假期的时候会变得很安静，很多街道都是空的，不像平时那么拥挤。人们都回家过年了。
为什么假期的时候街道会是空的？
文章最后一句说明了“人们都回家过年了”，这是街道变空的原因。
文章最后一句说明了“人们都回家过年了”，这是街道变空的原因。
这个杯子是___的，里面什么也没有。
The sentence indicates there's nothing inside the cup, so 'empty' (空) is the correct word.
他工作了一天，感觉大脑一片___。
After a day of work, feeling like one's mind is 'blank' (空白) means being exhausted or unable to think clearly.
搬家后，房间里只剩下___的纸箱。
After moving, only 'empty' (空) cardboard boxes would remain.
这个地方太___了，一点声音都没有。
If there's no sound at all, the place is 'silent' or 'empty' of sound (寂静).
我把所有不用的东西都扔了，现在衣柜里___了很多。
After throwing away unused items, the wardrobe would have 'emptied out' (空了很多).
这个文件是___的，你是不是忘记保存了？
If a file is 'empty' (空), it implies that content might have been forgotten to be saved.
This sentence means 'The bottle is empty.' In Chinese, the subject (瓶子 - bottle) comes first, followed by the verb (是 - is) and then the adjective (空的 - empty).
This sentence means 'He emptied the room.' The '把' (bǎ) construction is used to indicate that the subject acts upon a direct object. '清空' (qīngkōng) means to clear out or empty.
This sentence means 'She felt her heart was very empty.' Here, '的' (de) is used to show possession (她的心 - her heart), and '很' (hěn) is an intensifier meaning 'very'.
她把所有的东西都拿走了，现在箱子是___的。
The context implies the box is without contents after everything was removed, so 'empty' (空) is the correct word.
我的大脑一片___，什么也想不起来。
When one cannot think of anything, their mind is often described as 'empty' or 'blank' (一片空白).
这个房间虽然面积很大，但感觉很___，需要添置一些家具。
'空旷' means spacious and somewhat empty, fitting the description of a large room needing more furniture.
他感到心里___的，好像失去了什么重要的东西。
'空落落' describes an emotional state of emptiness or loneliness, which fits feeling like something important has been lost.
这个地方人烟稀少，到了晚上就显得非常___。
'冷清' means deserted or desolate, which is appropriate for a sparsely populated place at night.
承诺如果不能兑现，就只是一张___支票。
'空头支票' is an idiom for an empty promise or a bad check, where '空头' means 'empty' or 'bogus'.
Choose the sentence where '空的' is used metaphorically.
'空的' can describe a feeling of emptiness or loss, which is a metaphorical usage.
Which of the following phrases correctly uses '空的' to describe a place that is vacant?
'空的位置' specifically refers to a vacant or unoccupied spot. The other options use '空' in a more abstract or metaphorical sense.
Which sentence demonstrates a nuanced meaning of '空的' beyond just physical emptiness?
Here, '空的' implies that the words or promises were insincere or lacked substance, not just physically empty.
The phrase '空穴来风' (kōng xué lái fēng - wind comes from an empty cave) uses '空' to mean physically empty, implying that there's no basis for a rumor.
Indeed, '空穴来风' metaphorically suggests that a rumor, like wind, often has a source, even if it's just 'an empty cave' (a small opening), implying some basis, however slight. The '空' here refers to a void or opening.
In the sentence '这趟火车是空的，乘客很少。' (This train is empty, there are very few passengers.), '空的' implies that the train is entirely devoid of people.
While '空的' can mean entirely empty, in this context, '乘客很少' (very few passengers) clarifies that it's not completely empty, but rather has a significant lack of people, making it feel 'empty' in comparison to its capacity.
If someone says '我空不出时间来。' (Wǒ kòng bù chū shíjiān lái.), '空' here means they are physically empty or unoccupied.
In this context, '空' is used as a verb meaning 'to make available' or 'to free up'. So, '我空不出时间来' means 'I can't free up time' or 'I don't have any free time available,' not that the person themselves is physically empty.
This sentence describes someone feeling emotionally empty. In Chinese, repeating '空' (kōng) as '空空的' emphasizes the emptiness, similar to 'very empty' or 'completely empty' in English. The structure '主语 (subject) + 心里 (in one's heart) + 感到 (feel) + 空空的 (empty)' is common.
This sentence means 'This room has been empty for a long time.' The structure '主语 (subject) + 已经 (already) + 动词 (verb) + 了 (completion particle) + 时间量 (duration of time)' is used to indicate an action or state that has continued for a period. Here, '空' acts as a verb meaning 'to be empty'.
This phrase translates to 'Don't let your head be empty' or 'Don't let your mind be idle'. '别' (bié) means 'don't'. '让' (ràng) means 'to let' or 'to allow'. '脑袋' (nǎodài) is a colloquial term for 'head' or 'mind'. '空着' (kōngzhe) means 'remaining empty' or 'being empty', with '着' indicating a continuous state.
/ 72 correct
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