비어 있는
bieo inneun
The English word "empty" is expressed in Korean as 비어 있는 (bieo inneun).
The term is used to describe something that is devoid of content. You can use the verb 비우다 to express the action of making something empty, or the noun 빈 병 to refer to an empty bottle.
Meaning: devoid of content (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form 비어 있는 emphasizes a continuous state of being empty. In contrast, the shortened form 빈 is a more concise way to modify a noun directly, such as in the phrase 빈 방 (empty room).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 비어 있는 is the adjectival form of the verb phrase 비어 있다, which means "to be empty".
How do you pronounce it?
bieo inneun
Did you know?
- The word 비어 is a homonym with several meanings, including a Sino-Korean term for 'vulgar language' 卑語 and a term for 'flying fish' 飛魚.
- The verb 비우다 is used not only for containers but also for the mind. The phrase 마음을 비우다 means to clear one's mind or let go of greed and expectations.
- While 비어 있는 describes a physical void, Koreans use the word 빈 in the expression 빈말 to describe 'empty words' or insincere compliments that have no true meaning behind them.
Examples in context
- 그 방은 완전히 공허하다.That room is completely empty.
- 이 컵은 안 비어 있어요.This cup is not empty.
- 이 공원은 완전히 텅 비어 있어.This park is completely empty.
- 냉장고가 비어 있는 상태예요.naengjanggoga bieo inneun sangtaeyeyo.The refrigerator is in an empty state.
- 방에 비어 있는 의자가 있어요.bang-e bieo inneun uijaga isseoyo.There is an empty chair in the room.
- 그 상자는 비어 있는 것 같아요.geu sangjaneun bieo inneun geot gatayo.That box seems to be empty.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are looking for a place to sit in a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저 테이블은 비어 있는 것 같아요.jeo teibeureun bieo inneun geot gatayo.That table looks empty.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 저기가 명당이에요.Hyunwoo-ssi, jeogiga myeongdang-ieyo.Hyunwoo, that's the perfect spot.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 자리를 잡을까요?Subin-ssi, jarireul jabeulkkayo?Subin, shall we take the seats?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 좋아요.ne, joayo.Yes, that's good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 비어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
