Definition
空空如也 is a classical Chinese four-character idiom that means 'absolutely empty' or 'completely empty'. It can describe a physical space (e.g., an empty room or container) or a metaphorical state (e.g., feeling empty inside, or a situation devoid of substance). It often carries a neutral or slightly poetic tone and is used in both formal writing and everyday speech to emphasize that nothing is there.
f.e.
completely emptyabsolutely empty (of a place, container, or state)
Examples
- ,空空如也。Tā bānzǒu yǐhòu, fángjiān lǐ kōng kōng rú yě.After he moved out, the room was completely empty.
- 空空如也,。Qiánbāo lǐ kōng kōng rú yě, yì fēn qián dōu méiyǒu le.The wallet is absolutely empty — not a single cent left.
- ,空空如也。Tīng le zhège xiāoxi, tā xīnlǐ gǎndào kōng kōng rú yě.After hearing this news, he felt completely empty inside.
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