At the A1 level, 'kyomukan' is a very advanced word. You don't need to use it yet, but you can think of it as a very strong 'feeling of nothing.' In English, we might say 'I feel empty.' In Japanese, beginners usually say 'sabishii' (lonely) or 'tsumaranai' (boring). 'Kyomukan' is much deeper than that. It's like when you finish a whole box of cookies and then feel like 'Why did I do that? What is the point of cookies?' but for much bigger things in life. It uses the kanji for 'nothing' (mu). Even at A1, knowing that 'mu' means 'nothing' is very helpful for your future Japanese studies. You might see this word in anime titles or dramatic songs. Just remember: it's a big, heavy word for feeling like life has no meaning for a moment.
For A2 learners, 'kyomukan' is a noun that describes a 'sense of emptiness.' You might start seeing it in stories or hearing it in emotional scenes in dramas. It's important to differentiate it from 'kanashii' (sad). If you are sad because you lost your wallet, that's not 'kyomukan.' But if you work very hard for a test for three months, and after the test is over, you feel like you don't know what to do with your life anymore, that's 'kyomukan.' It is often used with the verb 'kanjiru' (to feel). For example: 'Kyomukan wo kanjimasu' (I feel a sense of emptiness). It's a useful word to describe that 'post-event' feeling when a big part of your life suddenly ends.
At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize 'kyomukan' and use it in specific contexts. It is a CEFR B1 level word because it deals with abstract emotions. It is frequently paired with the passive verb 'osowareru' (to be attacked/seized). 'Kyomukan ni osowareru' is a very common set phrase. This implies that the feeling of emptiness comes on suddenly and strongly, like an attack. You should also notice the kanji: 虚 (hollow) and 無 (nothing). This word is perfect for discussing themes like 'burnout' or the feeling of modern urban isolation. When you write about your feelings in a journal or talk about a movie's deep themes, using 'kyomukan' instead of 'sabishisa' will make your Japanese sound much more mature and precise.
B2 learners should understand the philosophical nuances of 'kyomukan.' It is often translated as 'nihilism' or 'a sense of futility.' In a B2 context, you might use this word to describe social phenomena or literary themes. It's not just a personal feeling; it can be a collective state. For instance, you could discuss how a 'kyomukan' permeates a certain generation due to economic or social factors. You should also be able to distinguish it from similar terms like 'soushitsukan' (sense of loss) and 'kuukyokan' (sense of hollowness). While 'soushitsukan' requires a specific object that was lost, 'kyomukan' is more about the inherent lack of meaning in existence. It's a key word for engaging in deeper conversations about mental health, philosophy, and the human condition in Japanese.
At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'kyomukan' with sophisticated collocations and in academic or literary analysis. You might explore the 'kyomuteki' (nihilistic) nature of a protagonist in a novel or discuss 'kyomushugi' (nihilism) as a philosophical movement. You should understand how the word functions in the 'Amae' culture or in relation to Zen concepts of 'Mu.' While 'Mu' can be a positive state of enlightenment, 'kyomukan' is almost always the negative, suffering-filled version of that emptiness—the 'void' that lacks the spiritual fulfillment of Zen. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Kindai bungaku ni okeru kyomukan no hyougen' (The expression of the sense of emptiness in modern literature).
For C2 mastery, 'kyomukan' is a tool for precise existential discourse. You should be able to debate the fine lines between 'kyomukan,' 'existential angst,' and 'ennui.' You can use it to critique societal structures, perhaps arguing that consumerist culture inevitably leads to a pervasive 'kyomukan.' You should also be aware of its usage in historical contexts, such as the post-war 'kyodatsu' state of the Japanese people, and how that evolved into the modern sense of 'kyomu.' At this level, you don't just 'feel' kyomukan; you analyze its origins, its manifestations in art, and its role in the collective Japanese psyche. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight and its ability to convey the most profound levels of human despair and the search for meaning.

虚無感 in 30 Seconds

  • Kyomukan means a 'sense of emptiness' or 'nihilism.'
  • It comes from the kanji for 'void' and 'nothing.'
  • It is often used with the verb 'osowareru' (to be attacked by).
  • It describes deep existential feelings, not just temporary sadness.

The Japanese word 虚無感 (kyomukan) is a profound psychological term that describes a deep sense of emptiness, nihilism, or the feeling that nothing has meaning. It is composed of three kanji: 虚 (kyo - void/hollow), 無 (mu - nothingness), and 感 (kan - feeling/sensation). Together, they form a concept that goes beyond simple sadness or boredom; it is an existential state where one feels a hollow gap in their soul or purpose. This word is frequently used in literature, psychological contexts, and daily life to describe the emotional aftermath of a significant event that leaves one feeling unmoored or purposeless.

Etymological Roots
The term is rooted in philosophical concepts of 'Mu' (nothingness), which has deep ties to Zen Buddhism and Taoism, though in modern usage, it often takes on a more secular, psychological weight similar to the English 'existential dread' or 'emotional void'.

大きな目標を達成した後に、突然の虚無感に襲われた。
(After achieving a major goal, I was suddenly attacked by a sense of emptiness.)

People use this word when they experience a 'burnout' phase or the 'post-event blues.' For instance, after finishing a long-running television series, completing a massive project at work, or graduating from university, a person might feel that their daily drive has vanished. This lack of direction or the feeling that the effort was ultimately for nothing is the essence of kyomukan.

Common Verbs
It is most commonly paired with verbs like 襲われる (osowareru - to be attacked/seized by), 抱く (idaku - to harbor/feel), and 陥る (ochiiru - to fall into).

彼は人生に対して強い虚無感を抱いている。
(He harbors a strong sense of nihilism toward life.)

In a cultural context, Japan's high-pressure society often leads to discussions of kyomukan among the youth or the 'salaryman' class. It describes the feeling of being a small, insignificant cog in a massive machine. It is also a staple in 'isekai' or 'psychological' anime genres, where characters grapple with the meaning of their existence in worlds that seem indifferent to their presence. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the subtle difference between 'being empty' (which can be positive in Zen) and 'feeling empty' (which is usually a heavy, burdensome emotion in this context).

Using 虚無感 (kyomukan) correctly involves understanding its weight. It is a formal to semi-formal noun that functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It is rarely used in lighthearted contexts unless used sarcastically. To use it naturally, you should focus on the 'onset' of the feeling—how it arrives and how it persists.

Grammatical Placement
It is a noun. You can say 'Kyomukan ga aru' (There is a sense of emptiness) or 'Kyomukan wo kanjiru' (I feel a sense of emptiness).

失恋したばかりの彼女の心には、深い虚無感が広がっていた。
(In the heart of the girl who had just experienced a breakup, a deep sense of emptiness was spreading.)

When describing a sudden onset, the passive verb osowareru (to be attacked) is the most evocative choice. It suggests that the emptiness is an external force that overwhelms the person's mental defenses. This is particularly common when talking about the 'post-achievement' void.

祭りの後の静けさが、言いようのない虚無感を連れてきた。
(The silence after the festival brought an indescribable sense of emptiness.)

In academic or literary writing, you might see kyomukan paired with existential themes. It can describe a society's collective mood, such as the 'Lost Decade' in Japan, where economic stagnation led many to feel that their hard work would never result in a better life. In these cases, the word describes a structural or philosophical despair rather than just a personal mood.

You will encounter 虚無感 (kyomukan) in various media, ranging from high-brow literature to modern pop culture. It is a key word in the 'existential' vocabulary of Japanese speakers. If you watch psychological thrillers or 'slice-of-life' anime that deals with the mundanity of adulthood, this word will appear frequently.

In Literature
Authors like Haruki Murakami or Osamu Dazai often explore themes of emptiness. Their characters frequently struggle with a sense of 'kyomukan' as they navigate urban isolation.

現代社会の忙しさの中で、ふとした瞬間に虚無感を感じることがある。
(In the busyness of modern society, there are moments when one suddenly feels a sense of emptiness.)

Social media platforms like Twitter (X) in Japan often see users posting about 'kyomukan' after finishing a popular game or when facing a 'Monday morning' dread. It has become a relatable 'mood' (often expressed as 'kyomu' for short in slang). For example, someone might post a picture of a blank screen with the caption 'Kyomu...' to indicate they have no motivation or feel empty inside.

推しの引退発表を聞いて、今までの応援が何だったのかと虚無感に包まれている。
(Hearing the retirement announcement of my favorite idol, I am wrapped in a sense of emptiness, wondering what all my support was for.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is equating 虚無感 (kyomukan) simply with 'loneliness' or 'boredom.' While these feelings can overlap, they are distinct in Japanese. Loneliness is 寂しさ (sabishisa), which implies a desire for company. Boredom is 退屈 (taikutsu), which is a temporary lack of interest. Kyomukan is much deeper—it is the feeling that the 'self' or the 'world' lacks substance.

Kyomukan vs. Sabishisa
Sabishisa is 'I want someone to be here.' Kyomukan is 'Even if someone is here, it doesn't matter because everything is empty.'

× 一人でいるから虚無感だ。
○ 一人でいるから寂しい。
(Mistake: Using kyomukan just because you are alone physically.)

Another mistake is using it for trivial disappointments. If you drop your ice cream, you feel zannen (regret/disappointment), not kyomukan. Using kyomukan for small things can sound overly dramatic or like you are having a mid-life crisis over a snack. However, in internet slang, this 'over-dramatic' usage is sometimes intentional for comedic effect.

× テストの点数が悪くて虚無感がある。
○ 必死に勉強したのに不合格で、強い虚無感に襲われた。
(Difference: A bad grade is just sad; failing after extreme effort causes a sense of nihilism.)

Japanese has several words that describe 'emptiness' or 'loss,' and choosing the right one is key to sounding natural. While 虚無感 (kyomukan) is the most philosophical, others focus on the physical or emotional sensation of a gap.

空虚感 (Kuukyokan)
Very similar to kyomukan, but 'kuukyo' literally means 'empty cavity.' It often describes a feeling that one's heart is literally a hollow shell. It is slightly more emotional and less philosophical than kyomukan.
喪失感 (Soushitsukan)
This means 'sense of loss.' It is used specifically after losing something tangible, like a loved one, a job, or a possession. Kyomukan can follow soushitsukan, but they are not the same.
虚脱感 (Kyodatsukan)
This refers to a state of lethargy or 'prostration' following extreme tension or effort. It is more about physical and mental exhaustion leaving you 'empty' of energy.

恋人を亡くした後の喪失感は、やがて世界そのものへの虚無感へと変わった。
(The sense of loss after losing a lover eventually turned into a sense of nihilism toward the world itself.)

When choosing between these, ask yourself: Is the feeling about 'nothingness' (Kyomukan), 'hollowness' (Kuukyokan), 'losing something' (Soushitsukan), or 'running out of steam' (Kyodatsukan)?

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Mu' in Kyomukan is the same 'Mu' as in 'Muji' (the brand), which means 'no brand/plain.' While Muji is minimalist and trendy, Kyomukan is the emotional weight of that 'nothing.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK kjo̞.mɯ̟ᵝ.kã̠ɴ
US kjo̞.mɯ̟ᵝ.kã̠ɴ
Japanese uses pitch accent. In 'Kyomukan', the pitch typically starts low on 'kyo', rises on 'mu', and stays high or slightly drops on 'kan' (LHHH pattern depending on the dialect).
Rhymes With
喪失感 (soushitsukan) 存在感 (sonzaikan) 幸福感 (koufukukan) 達成感 (tasseikan) 違和感 (iwakan) 親近感 (shinkinkan) 不信感 (fushinkan) 期待感 (kitaikan)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kyo' as two syllables 'ki-yo'. It should be one.
  • Pronouncing 'mu' with rounded lips like English 'moo'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'n' at the end like 'kan-neh'.
  • Confusing the pitch accent with English-style stress on the first syllable.
  • Missing the nasal quality of the final 'n'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji 虚 and 無 are N2-N1 level, though the concept is B1.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '虚' (void) correctly requires practice.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires emotional maturity to use correctly.

Listening 3/5

Common in dramas and literature, easily recognizable.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

寂しい (sabishii) 無い (nai) 気持ち (kimochi) 感じる (kanjiru) 心 (kokoro)

Learn Next

喪失感 (soushitsukan) 充実感 (juujitsukan) 葛藤 (kattou) 無常 (mujou) 実存 (jitsuzon)

Advanced

虚飾 (kyoshoku) 虚妄 (kyomou) 空理空論 (kuurikuuron) 無為自然 (muishizen) 寂寥 (sekiryou)

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice with Emotions (~に襲われる)

不安に襲われる、虚無感に襲われる

Noun + を抱く (to harbor a feeling)

疑問を抱く、虚無感を抱く

~という (Defining/Naming)

虚無感という感情

~た途端 (The moment something happened)

終わった途端、虚無感が来た。

A ではなく B (Not A but B)

寂しさではなく虚無感だ。

Examples by Level

1

しごとがおわって、きょむかんがあります。

Work ended, and I have a sense of emptiness.

Uses basic 'ga arimasu' structure.

2

テストのあとで、きょむかんをかんじました。

After the test, I felt a sense of emptiness.

Simple past tense of 'kanjiru'.

3

きょむかんは、なに(何)もないというきもちです。

Kyomukan is the feeling that there is nothing.

Explaining the concept with simple nouns.

4

アニメをみて、きょむかんをかんじました。

I watched anime and felt a sense of emptiness.

Te-form for sequence of actions.

5

きょむかんは、かなしい(悲しい)ですか?

Is kyomukan (emptiness) sad?

Basic question form.

6

きょむかんは、むずかしいことばです。

Kyomukan is a difficult word.

I-adjective modifying a noun.

7

きょむかん、はじめてききました。

Kyomukan, I heard it for the first time.

Informal past tense.

8

きょむかんは、だれにでもあります。

Everyone has a sense of emptiness (sometimes).

Particle 'ni mo' for 'even for/also for'.

1

長い映画が終わった後、心に虚無感が残った。

After the long movie ended, a sense of emptiness remained in my heart.

Noun + ga nokotta (remained).

2

彼は時々、強い虚無感を感じるそうです。

I heard that he sometimes feels a strong sense of emptiness.

Reporting hearsay with 'sou desu'.

3

虚無感に負けないでください。

Please don't give in to the sense of emptiness.

Negative imperative with 'naide kudasai'.

4

卒業式の後は、みんな虚無感があると言っていました。

Everyone was saying they had a sense of emptiness after the graduation ceremony.

Quoting with 'to itte imashita'.

5

虚無感を消すために、新しい趣味を始めました。

In order to erase the sense of emptiness, I started a new hobby.

Purpose clause with 'tame ni'.

6

虚無感という言葉の意味を教えてください。

Please tell me the meaning of the word 'kyomukan'.

Defining a term with 'to iu'.

7

都会の生活は、時々虚無感を感じさせます。

City life sometimes makes me feel a sense of emptiness.

Causative form 'kanjisaseru'.

8

虚無感があるときは、音楽を聴きます。

When I have a sense of emptiness, I listen to music.

Time clause with 'toki wa'.

1

目標を達成した途端、激しい虚無感に襲われた。

The moment I achieved my goal, I was attacked by an intense sense of emptiness.

The pattern 'totan' (the moment that) + passive 'osowareru'.

2

SNSをずっと見ていると、不思議な虚無感を抱くことがある。

When looking at social media for a long time, I sometimes harbor a strange sense of emptiness.

Using 'idaku' (to harbor/hold) for abstract feelings.

3

彼は虚無感から逃れるために、旅に出ることにした。

He decided to go on a journey to escape from the sense of emptiness.

Potential-like noun phrase 'nogareru tame ni'.

4

この小説の主人公は、常に虚無感と戦っている。

The protagonist of this novel is constantly fighting against a sense of emptiness.

Using 'to tatakau' (fight with/against).

5

虚無感に苛まれる日々が続いた。

Days of being tormented by a sense of emptiness continued.

The verb 'sainamareu' (to be tormented) is common with kyomukan.

6

今の若者の間には、将来に対する虚無感が広がっているのかもしれない。

A sense of emptiness regarding the future might be spreading among today's youth.

Expressing probability with 'no kamo shirenai'.

7

虚無感を埋めるために、買い物をしてしまう。

I end up shopping to fill the sense of emptiness.

Using 'umeru' (to fill/bury) for emotional voids.

8

祭りの後の静けさが、言いようのない虚無感を誘う。

The silence after the festival invites an indescribable sense of emptiness.

Using 'sasou' (to invite/induce).

1

万能感の裏側には、常に深い虚無感が潜んでいるものだ。

On the flip side of a sense of omnipotence, a deep sense of emptiness is always lurking.

Using 'hisomu' (to lurk/be hidden).

2

成功を手に入れたというのに、心は虚無感で満たされていた。

Even though I had achieved success, my heart was filled with a sense of emptiness.

The contrastive 'to iu no ni' (despite).

3

彼の作品には、都会の孤独と虚無感が色濃く反映されている。

His works strongly reflect urban loneliness and a sense of emptiness.

Compound particle 'irokoku' (deeply/strongly).

4

虚無感に陥るのを防ぐためには、日々の小さな喜びを大切にすべきだ。

In order to prevent falling into a sense of emptiness, one should value small daily joys.

Using 'subeki' (should) for advice.

5

そのニュースを聞いた瞬間、私の努力が全て無意味に思え、虚無感に襲われた。

The moment I heard that news, all my efforts seemed meaningless, and I was seized by emptiness.

Causal connection with '...ni omoe' (seemed... and).

6

現代人は、溢れる情報の中でかえって虚無感を強めているのではないか。

Aren't modern people perhaps strengthening their sense of emptiness amidst the overflow of information?

Rhetorical question 'de wa nai ka'.

7

虚無感を感じることは、必ずしも悪いことではない。それは自分を見つめ直す機会でもある。

Feeling a sense of emptiness is not necessarily a bad thing; it is also an opportunity to re-examine oneself.

Adverbial phrase 'kanarazushimo... nai' (not necessarily).

8

どんなに贅沢をしても、心の奥底にある虚無感は消えなかった。

No matter how much luxury I indulged in, the emptiness deep in my heart did not disappear.

Concessive 'donna ni... shite mo' (no matter how much).

1

実存主義哲学において、虚無感は人間存在の本質的な不安として捉えられる。

In existentialist philosophy, the sense of emptiness is perceived as an essential anxiety of human existence.

Passive 'toraerareru' (is perceived/captured).

2

空虚な言葉の羅列に、聴衆は次第に虚無感を募らせていった。

At the string of empty words, the audience gradually felt a growing sense of emptiness.

Using 'tsunoraseru' (to invite/increase a feeling).

3

バブル崩壊後の日本社会を覆ったのは、出口の見えない虚無感であった。

What covered Japanese society after the bubble burst was a sense of emptiness with no exit in sight.

Nominalized clause with 'no wa... de atta'.

4

彼は、自身のアイデンティティの喪失が、根源的な虚無感に繋がっていると分析した。

He analyzed that the loss of his own identity was linked to a fundamental sense of emptiness.

Using 'kongenteki' (fundamental/radical).

5

宗教的な救済を失った近代人にとって、虚無感との対峙は避けられない課題である。

For modern people who have lost religious salvation, confronting emptiness is an unavoidable challenge.

Using 'taiji' (confrontation/facing).

6

その映画のラストシーンは、観客に強烈な虚無感を突きつけるものであった。

The final scene of that movie was something that thrust an intense sense of emptiness upon the audience.

Using 'tsukitsukeru' (to thrust/confront someone with).

7

虚無感は時に、創造的な活動への強力な原動力となることがある。

Emptiness can sometimes become a powerful driving force for creative activities.

Using 'gendouryoku' (driving force).

8

政治への無関心が、社会全体に底知れぬ虚無感を漂わせている。

Indifference to politics is making an unfathomable sense of emptiness drift throughout society.

Using 'tadayowaseru' (to make drift/waft).

1

ニーチェの虚無主義を超克せんとする試みは、現代思想に多大な影響を与えた。

Nietzsche's attempt to overcome nihilism (kyomushugi) exerted a massive influence on modern thought.

Classical Japanese 'sen to suru' (trying to do).

2

言語化し得ない虚無感の深淵を覗き込むとき、人は真の自己と向き合うことになる。

When peering into the abyss of an inexpressible sense of emptiness, one comes to face their true self.

Using 'shin-en' (abyss) and 'verbal stem + uru' (can).

3

高度資本主義がもたらす消費の連鎖は、皮肉にも個人の虚無感を助長している。

The chain of consumption brought about by advanced capitalism ironically exacerbates individual feelings of emptiness.

Using 'jouchou' (exacerbate/promote a negative state).

4

無常観という伝統的な美意識と、現代的な虚無感は、どのように峻別されるべきか。

How should the traditional aesthetic of 'mujoukan' (impermanence) and modern 'kyomukan' be clearly distinguished?

Using 'shunbetsu' (clear distinction).

5

虚無感に裏打ちされた彼の冷徹なリアリズムは、読者を戦慄させる。

His cold realism, backed by a sense of nihilism, makes the reader shudder.

Using 'urauchisareta' (backed by/underlined by).

6

ポストモダンの言説において、意味の解体は不可避的に虚無感の蔓延を招いた。

In postmodern discourse, the deconstruction of meaning inevitably led to the spread of a sense of emptiness.

Using 'man-en' (spread/prevalence of something bad).

7

虚無感の克服は、単なる心理的な問題ではなく、存在論的な闘争である。

Overcoming the sense of emptiness is not merely a psychological issue but an ontological struggle.

Using 'sonzaironteki' (ontological).

8

絶対的な無への回帰を渇望する虚無感は、ある種の聖性を帯びることがある。

The sense of emptiness that craves a return to absolute nothingness can sometimes take on a kind of sanctity.

Using 'obi-ru' (to take on/be tinged with).

Common Collocations

虚無感に襲われる
虚無感を抱く
虚無感に陥る
虚無感を覚える
虚無感に苛まれる
強い虚無感
耐えがたい虚無感
虚無感を埋める
虚無感が漂う
虚無感に包まれる

Common Phrases

虚無感しかない

— I feel nothing but emptiness. Often used in internet slang to express extreme lack of motivation.

今の気持ちは、虚無感しかない。

虚無感に襲われる夜

— Nights when one is attacked by emptiness. A common trope in social media posts.

虚無感に襲われる夜は、早く寝るに限る。

虚無感を感じる瞬間

— The moment one feels emptiness. Refers to triggers like finishing a book.

虚無感を感じる瞬間は人それぞれだ。

虚無感の正体

— The true nature of the emptiness. Often used in psychological articles.

虚無感の正体について考えてみた。

虚無感と向き合う

— To face or confront one's sense of emptiness.

自分の虚無感と向き合う時間が必要だ。

虚無感から抜け出す

— To get out of a state of emptiness.

どうすれば虚無感から抜け出せるだろうか。

虚無感を紛らわせる

— To distract oneself from or soothe the sense of emptiness.

趣味に没頭して虚無感を紛らわせた。

虚無感がこみ上げる

— A sense of emptiness wells up inside.

突然、激しい虚無感がこみ上げてきた。

虚無感に支配される

— To be dominated or controlled by a sense of emptiness.

彼は虚無感に支配されてしまっている。

虚無感を拭い去る

— To wipe away or get rid of the sense of emptiness.

どうしても虚無感を拭い去ることができない。

Often Confused With

虚無感 vs 寂しさ (sabishisa)

Sabishisa is loneliness/missing someone. Kyomukan is feeling that life itself is empty.

虚無感 vs 退屈 (taikutsu)

Taikutsu is being bored because you have nothing to do. Kyomukan is feeling that what you are doing is pointless.

虚無感 vs 悲しみ (kanashimi)

Kanashimi is sadness usually due to a specific event. Kyomukan is a more abstract, hollow feeling.

Idioms & Expressions

"虚無の境地"

— A state of mind reaching absolute nothingness. Can be philosophical or ironic.

彼は今、虚無の境地に達している。

Literary/Sarcastic
"心に穴が開く"

— To have a hole in one's heart. Describes the feeling that leads to kyomukan.

彼女がいなくなって、心に穴が開いたようだ。

Neutral
"砂を噛むよう"

— Like chewing sand. Describes something that is dry, tasteless, and meaningless.

虚無感のせいで、何を食べても砂を噛むような味がする。

Literary
"灰色の人生"

— A gray life. A life lacking color, excitement, or meaning.

虚無感に満ちた灰色の人生を送っている。

Neutral
"抜け殻になる"

— To become an empty shell. Describes a person after they've lost their soul or purpose.

受験が終わって、彼は抜け殻のようになっている。

Informal
"糸の切れた凧"

— A kite with its string cut. Describes someone who has lost their direction or connection to the world.

定年退職して、糸の切れた凧のような虚無感を感じた。

Neutral
"燃え尽き症候群"

— Burnout syndrome. Often the cause of intense kyomukan.

燃え尽き症候群による虚無感に悩まされている。

Neutral
"空を掴むよう"

— Like trying to grab the air. Describes a futile effort that leads to emptiness.

彼の議論は空を掴むようで、虚無感だけが残った。

Literary
"泡と消える"

— To vanish like bubbles. Describes efforts that come to nothing.

夢が泡と消え、虚無感に襲われた。

Literary
"虚ろな目"

— Hollow/vacant eyes. The physical expression of someone feeling kyomukan.

彼は虚ろな目で遠くを見つめていた。

Neutral

Easily Confused

虚無感 vs 空虚 (kuukyo)

Both mean 'empty.'

Kuukyo is an adjective/noun for the state of being hollow. Kyomukan is the subjective 'feeling' (kan) of that emptiness.

空虚な言葉 (empty words) vs. 虚無感を感じる (feel emptiness).

虚無感 vs 虚脱 (kyodatsu)

Both start with 'kyo' (void).

Kyodatsu is physical/mental collapse or lethargy. Kyomukan is philosophical/emotional emptiness.

疲労で虚脱状態になる (be in a state of collapse due to fatigue).

虚無感 vs 無常 (mujou)

Both relate to 'nothingness.'

Mujou is the Buddhist concept that everything changes. Kyomukan is the feeling that because everything changes/ends, it is all meaningless.

諸行無常 (all things are impermanent).

虚無感 vs 孤独 (kodoku)

Often felt together.

Kodoku is the state of being alone. Kyomukan can be felt even when surrounded by a thousand people.

孤独な旅 (a lonely journey).

虚無感 vs 絶望 (zetsubou)

Both are negative emotions.

Zetsubou is losing hope for a specific future. Kyomukan is the lack of any meaning in the present or future.

絶望の淵に立たされる (to be stood on the brink of despair).

Sentence Patterns

A2

A は B (虚無感) です。

今の気持ちは虚無感です。

B1

A の後、B (虚無感) を感じた。

卒業式の後、虚無感を感じた。

B1

B (虚無感) に襲われる。

突然、虚無感に襲われた。

B2

B (虚無感) を抱えながら生きる。

彼は虚無感を抱えながら生きている。

B2

B (虚無感) に陥るのを防ぐ。

虚無感に陥るのを防ぐ方法。

C1

B (虚無感) が漂う A (場所/雰囲気)。

虚無感が漂う都会の夜。

C1

B (虚無感) を埋めるための C。

虚無感を埋めるための消費行動。

C2

B (虚無感) に裏打ちされた A。

虚無感に裏打ちされた冷徹な視点。

Word Family

Nouns

虚無 (kyomu) - Nihility/Nothingness
虚無主義 (kyomushugi) - Nihilism
虚無僧 (komusou) - A type of Zen monk (historical)
虚無感 (kyomukan) - Sense of emptiness

Verbs

虚しくなる (munashiku naru) - To become empty/vain
虚空を掴む (kokuu wo tsukamu) - To grab at the void

Adjectives

虚無的な (kyomuteki-na) - Nihilistic
虚しい (munashii) - Empty/vain/futile

Related

空虚 (kuukyo) - Emptiness/hollowness
無 (mu) - Nothingness
空 (kuu) - Void/sky
絶望 (zetsubou) - Despair
無常 (mujou) - Impermanence

How to Use It

frequency

Common in psychological, literary, and emotional contexts. Medium frequency in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for 'boredom.' 退屈 (taikutsu)

    If you have nothing to do on a Sunday, you are 'taikutsu.' If you feel your whole life has no point, that is 'kyomukan.'

  • Confusing it with 'loneliness.' 寂しさ (sabishisa)

    You can feel 'kyomukan' even when you are with friends. 'Sabishisa' specifically means you want company.

  • Using 'kyomukan-na' as an adjective. 虚無的な (kyomuteki-na)

    Kyomukan is a noun. To describe a person or thing, use 'kyomuteki-na' or 'munashii.'

  • Using it for minor disappointments. 残念 (zannen)

    Dropping your phone is 'zannen,' not 'kyomukan.' 'Kyomukan' is for deep, soul-level emptiness.

  • Thinking 'Mu' (無) is always negative. N/A

    In Zen, 'Mu' is a positive state of being free from ego. But 'kyomukan' is almost always the negative feeling of that void.

Tips

Pair with 'Osowareru'

If you want to sound very natural, use 'kyomukan ni osowareru.' It captures that sudden feeling of 'What am I doing with my life?'

Understand 'Mu'

The kanji 無 (nothing) is central to Japanese culture. Knowing it helps you understand why 'emptiness' is such a big topic in Japan.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 虚 (void) has 11 strokes. Practice the top part (虍 - tiger radical) carefully to make your writing look professional.

Synonym Choice

Use 'soushitsukan' for grief and 'kyomukan' for existential 'nothingness.' Using the right one shows high proficiency.

Post-Goal Void

Recognize that 'kyomukan' is a common human experience after achieving a major goal. It's often called 'Arrival Fallacy' in English.

Look for the 'Void'

Many 'edgy' or psychological anime characters will mention 'kyomu.' It's a key word for understanding their motivation (or lack thereof).

Noun usage

Remember it's a noun. You can't say 'kyomukan-i' or 'kyomukan-na.' Use 'kyomuteki-na' if you need an adjective.

Don't kill the mood

Bringing up 'kyomukan' at a party might make people worry about you. It's a heavy topic for casual settings.

B1 Milestone

Mastering this word means you are moving from 'daily life' Japanese to 'emotional/abstract' Japanese.

Slang 'Kyomu'

When you see '虚無...' on a Japanese person's status, it just means they are feeling 'blah' or 'empty' at that moment.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kyo' as 'Today' (Kyou), 'Mu' as 'Nothing' (the cow says Mu when it has no milk), and 'Kan' as 'Feeling.' So: 'Today I feel like a cow with nothing' = Kyomukan.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant black hole that is slowly sucking the color out of their world. The black hole is the 'Kyo-Mu' (void-nothing).

Word Web

Nothingness Void Burnout Nihilism Hollow Existential Meaningless Despair

Challenge

Try to describe the feeling of finishing a 100-hour video game using 'kyomukan' in a sentence to a friend. Can you explain why it's not just 'sadness'?

Word Origin

The term 'Kyomukan' is composed of Sinitic roots (Kango). 'Kyomu' (虚無) has been used in East Asian philosophy for centuries, appearing in Taoist texts like the 'Zhuangzi' to describe the 'great void' or the state of non-being. It was later adopted into Japanese with Buddhist overtones.

Original meaning: The state of the universe before creation or the philosophical concept of absolute nothingness.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about others; it can imply a serious mental state or depression. In a clinical setting, it is a symptom of major depressive disorder.

English speakers often use 'existential dread' or 'ennui,' but 'kyomukan' is more about the 'void' itself than the 'dread' of it.

Osamu Dazai's 'No Longer Human' (Ningen Shikkaku) is the ultimate exploration of kyomukan. The ending of the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' deals heavily with existential emptiness. Haruki Murakami's protagonists often wander through a world defined by a quiet kyomukan.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Post-achievement blues

  • 燃え尽きたような虚無感
  • 目標を失った後の虚無感
  • 達成した瞬間の虚無感
  • 虚無感に襲われる

Bereavement or Loss

  • 深い虚無感に沈む
  • 喪失感と虚無感
  • 心に広がる虚無感
  • 虚無感を抱えたまま生きる

Philosophical Discussion

  • 人生の虚無感
  • 存在の虚無感
  • 虚無主義的な考え
  • 虚無感との対峙

Urban Isolation

  • 都会の虚無感
  • 人混みの中の虚無感
  • 繰り返される毎日の虚無感
  • 虚無感を感じさせる風景

Pop Culture/Fandom

  • 最終回後の虚無感
  • 推しロスによる虚無感
  • 虚無感しかない
  • 虚無期間

Conversation Starters

"大きなプロジェクトが終わった後、虚無感を感じたことはありますか? (Have you ever felt a sense of emptiness after a big project?)"

"どうすれば心の虚無感を埋められると思いますか? (How do you think one can fill the emptiness in their heart?)"

"最近、何かに虚無感を感じた瞬間はありましたか? (Was there a moment recently when you felt a sense of emptiness toward something?)"

"小説や映画で、虚無感を感じさせる作品は好きですか? (Do you like novels or movies that evoke a sense of emptiness?)"

"都会の生活は虚無感を生みやすいと思いますか? (Do you think city life easily creates a sense of emptiness?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、もし虚無感を感じたとしたら、それは何が原因だったか詳しく書いてみましょう。 (Write in detail about what caused it if you felt a sense of emptiness today.)

「虚無感」と「充実感」のバランスについて、自分の人生を振り返って考えてください。 (Reflect on your life and think about the balance between 'emptiness' and 'fulfillment.')

あなたが一番「虚無感」を感じた時期について、その時どうやって乗り越えたか記述してください。 (Describe the period when you felt the most 'emptiness' and how you overcame it.)

もし世界から「意味」が消えてしまったら、あなたはどうやって虚無感と戦いますか? (If 'meaning' disappeared from the world, how would you fight the emptiness?)

好きな映画や本の「虚無的な」シーンについて、なぜそれが心に残っているのか分析してください。 (Analyze a 'nihilistic' scene from a movie or book you like and why it stays with you.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In modern psychology, it is usually treated as a distressing state. However, in some philosophical contexts, recognizing the 'void' is the first step toward creating your own meaning (existentialism) or reaching enlightenment (Zen). But usually, if someone says they have 'kyomukan,' they are unhappy.

It's better not to. If you say 'I felt kyomukan because they were out of my favorite bread,' it sounds like you are being very dramatic. Use 'zannen' or 'shokku' (shock) instead.

It is a nasal 'n' (ん). Your tongue shouldn't necessarily touch the roof of your mouth like an English 'n'; it's more like a nasalized vowel at the end of the word.

They are almost interchangeable, but 'kuukyokan' (空虚感) sounds a bit more like there is a physical 'hole' in your heart, whereas 'kyomukan' (虚無感) sounds more like you are thinking about the meaninglessness of the world.

Yes! On the internet, people use 'kyomu' (虚無) as an adjective or noun to mean 'meaningless' or 'I'm feeling like a zombie.' For example, 'Kyomu na jikan' (meaningless time).

Only if you are discussing psychological health or the 'mood' of a market. It's too personal and heavy for a standard business meeting about spreadsheets.

The most common are 'kanjiru' (feel), 'osowareru' (be attacked by), 'ochiiru' (fall into), and 'idaku' (harbor).

No, it's a 'feeling' (感), so it applies to sentient beings. An object can be 'kuukyo' (empty/hollow), but it cannot have 'kyomukan'.

It is common enough that every adult knows it, but it's not a word you use every day like 'happy' or 'hungry.' It's for deeper moments.

The most direct opposite is 'juujitsukan' (充実感), which means a sense of fulfillment or being 'full' of life.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 虚無感 and 襲われる about finishing a graduation ceremony.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain the difference between 虚無感 and 寂しさ in Japanese (simple).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a short diary entry about feeling kyomukan after finishing a long book.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the word 虚無感 to describe a busy city street where no one talks to each other.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I harbor a strong sense of nihilism toward life.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 虚無感 and 埋める (to fill).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe the feeling after a big party ends using 虚無感.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Create a sentence using 虚無主義 (nihilism).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about burnout and kyomukan.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 虚無感 in a question to a friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 虚無感 and the particle 'さえ' (even).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The abyss of emptiness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 虚無感 and 漂う (to drift/float).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a character in a book who feels kyomukan.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 虚無感 and 無意味 (meaningless).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 虚無感 in a sentence about the 'Lost Decade' in Japan.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using the formal verb '覚える' with 虚無感.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Emptiness can be a driving force for creativity.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using the slang 'kyomu'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain why kyomukan is different from sadness using '〜ではなく' (not A but B).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'Kyomukan' out loud. Focus on the 'kyo' syllable.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain in your own words (Japanese) when you might feel kyomukan.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Read this sentence with feeling: '突然、激しい虚無感に襲われた。'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about a movie or book that made you feel kyomukan for 30 seconds.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How would you tell a friend you are feeling 'empty' using slang?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the 'Lost Decade' and its relation to kyomukan for 1 minute.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Debate: Is kyomukan necessary for creative growth?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe a 'hollow eyes' (utsuro na me) look in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask someone if they've ever felt kyomukan after a big achievement.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Roleplay: You are a philosopher discussing kyomukan with a student.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain the difference between kyomukan and sabishisa to a beginner.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Read: '虚無感に裏打ちされた冷徹なリアリズム。'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe the feeling of 'burnout' using kyomukan.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell a story about a time you felt kyomukan at a party.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Use the word 'kyomu' in a sentence about social media.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How do you say 'to fill the void' in Japanese?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe a 'nihilistic smile' (kyomuteki na emi).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the aesthetic of 'Mono no aware' vs 'Kyomukan'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Read: '虚無感の深淵を覗き込む。'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Summarize why people use the word kyomukan in modern Japan.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the word: 'Kyomukan'. Identify the middle kanji's meaning.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

In the phrase 'Kyomukan ni osowareru', what is happening to the person?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Which emotion is being described: 'Kokoro ga karappo ni naru feeling'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan wo umeru tame ni kaimono wo suru.' Why is the person shopping?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomuteki na sakuhin.' What kind of work is it?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Soushitsukan to kyomukan.' Are these the same thing?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan ni sainamareru.' Is the person feeling good?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the CEFR level of the word 'Kyomukan' from the speaker's tone.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan wa gendouryoku ni naru.' What can emptiness become?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

In a drama, a character says 'Kyomu...'. What is their mood?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan no shin-en.' What is the 'shin-en'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Munashii doryoku.' What kind of effort was it?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the pitch accent: kyo-MU-kan. Is it standard?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan wo oboeru.' Is this formal or informal?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Kyomukan ni ochiiru.' What does 'ochiiru' mean here?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!