Definition
掏空 is a verb‑resultative compound: 掏 ('to dig out') + 空 ('empty'). It can be used literally for scooping out the inside of something, or figuratively for depleting resources, energy, or savings. The resultative structure emphasizes the outcome of the action — the object becomes empty. The figurative sense is more common in formal and business contexts.
r.v.
to hollow out (by digging or scooping)to drainto use up completely (resources, energy, money, etc.)
Examples
- 掏空。Tāmen bǎ nà kē dà shù cóng gēnbù tāo kōng le.They hollowed out that big tree from the roots.
- 掏空。Duō nián de jīngyíng yǐjīng tāo kōng le tā de jīxù.Years of running the business have drained his savings.
- 掏空。Liánxù sān ge tōngxiāo jiābān tāo kōng le tā suǒyǒu de jīnglì.Three all‑night shifts in a row exhausted all his energy.
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