Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 空っぽ | karappo | [ka̠ɾa̠p̚po̞] (narrow) |
| くぼんだ | kubonda | |
| 中空の | chūkū no | |
| 虚ろの | utsuro no | |
| 空洞の | kūdō no |
The Japanese terms for 'hollow' vary significantly based on whether you are describing a physical void, a structural cavity or an emotional state. Use 空っぽ for everyday objects like containers or rooms that contain nothing. For a more technical or scientific description of a physical cavity, use 空洞の. If you are describing a metaphorical hollowness, such as a vacant gaze or an empty soul, use 虚ろの.
Which one should you use?
空っぽ is used for everyday situations to describe containers or spaces that are completely empty, such as an empty box or a room. In contrast, 空洞の is a more technical or formal term used to describe something that has a physical cavity or a hollow interior, often in a scientific or structural context. 虚ろの is used metaphorically to describe a hollow gaze, a hollow voice or a sense of emptiness in one's soul or expression.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 中が空 (naka ga kara) can be used to specifically mean that the inside is hollow. Related to the concept of emptiness, the noun 虚脱感 refers to a feeling of emptiness, while むなしい and 空虚 (kuukyo) relate to feelings of a void within oneself. For physical terrain, 窪地 refers to a sunken area.
How do you pronounce it?
karappo
Did you know?
- In Japanese Buddhist terminology, the concept of 'emptiness' or 'hollowness' is expressed as 空 (kuu). This refers not to a void of nothingness, but to the idea that all things are empty of a permanent self.
- In Japanese architecture, the concept of 'hollow' or 'empty' space is often viewed as a positive element of design rather than a lack of something.
- When using the word 空っぽ (karappo) to describe a person's head, it is a common way to jokingly call someone 'empty-headed' or dim-witted.
Examples in context
- その木の中には空洞があります。There is a hollow inside that tree.
- 彼は心が空っぽです。His heart is hollow/empty.
- このケーキの中が空です。The inside of this cake is hollow.
- 彼の目が虚ろです。His eyes are hollow/vacant.
- 彼女は心が空虚です。She feels emotionally hollow.
Example conversation
Daito and Misaki are looking at a gift box.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、このプレゼントは何？Misaki, kono purezento wa nani?Misaki, what is this present?
- 美咲 Misaki開けてみてよ。Akete mite yo.Try opening it.
- 大翔 Hirotoあれ？中が空っぽだよ。Are? Naka ga karappo dayo.Huh? The inside is empty.
- 美咲 Misakiあはは、びっくりした？Ahaha, bikkuri shita?Hahaha, were you surprised?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hollow” translations and entries 空っぽ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
