Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Empty" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "empty", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
空っぽ
からっぽ (karappo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
虚しい
むなしい (munashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "empty" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 空っぽ and 虚しい.
In Japanese, 空っぽ (からっぽ (karappo)) is typically associated with "empty, vacant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes something that contains nothing inside. Can be used literally for objects or figuratively for feelings.
On the other hand, 虚しい (むなしい (munashii)) maps to "empty, futile, vain, meaningless" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a feeling of emptiness, lack of purpose, or the futility of efforts, often after a long endeavor or when expectations are not met. 努力が無駄になったり、心が満たされず、空虚な気持ちになる状態。. A literal translation of "empty" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "空っぽ"
冷蔵庫が空っぽなので、買い物に行かなければならない。
The refrigerator is empty, so I have to go shopping.
Bilingual Context for "虚しい"
長年続けてきた研究が失敗に終わり、虚しい気持ちになった。
My research, which I had continued for many years, ended in failure, and I felt empty.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "冷蔵庫が ＿＿＿ なので、買い物に行かなければならない。" (Meaning: "The refrigerator is empty, so I have to go shopping.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "空っぽ" fits here because it means "empty, vacant" in the context of: "The refrigerator is empty, so I have to go shopping.". "虚しい" represents "empty, futile, vain, meaningless".