Definition
空手 literally means 'empty hand(s)' and is used as an adverb meaning 'empty-handed' — having nothing in your hands or bringing nothing. It can refer to being unarmed (without weapons) or to doing something without any tools or reference materials, such as performing a speech or martial arts routine from memory. The context determines which nuance applies.
adv.
empty-handedbringing nothingunarmedwithout weaponswithout notes or reference (e.g., performing from memory)
Examples
- 空手。Tā kōng shǒu lái cānjiā wǎnhui.He came to the party empty-handed.
- 空手。Tā kōng shǒu yǔ dǎitú bódòu.He fought the gangster unarmed.
- 空手，。Tā kōng shǒu yǎnjiǎng, méiyǒu yòng gǎozi.He gave a speech without notes, didn't use a script.
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