Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Vacant" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "vacant", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
うつろ
うつろ (utsuro)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
虚ろ
うつろ (utsuro)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "vacant" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うつろ and 虚ろ.
In Japanese, うつろ (うつろ (utsuro)) is typically associated with "vacant; empty; hollow; blank (expression)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物理的な空間が空いている状態のほか、心や表情に活気がなくぼんやりしている様子を表します。虚ろと書くこともあります。.
On the other hand, 虚ろ (うつろ (utsuro)) maps to "vacant; hollow; blank; empty" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes eyes or a mind that lacks expression or thought, often due to shock, sadness, or exhaustion.. A literal translation of "vacant" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "うつろ"
彼女は窓の外をうつろな目で見つめていた。
She stared out the window with a vacant look in her eyes.
Bilingual Context for "虚ろ"
彼女は悲しみのあまり、虚ろな目をして何も言わなかった。
Out of sadness, she had vacant eyes and said nothing.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は窓の外を ＿＿＿ な目で見つめていた。" (Meaning: "She stared out the window with a vacant look in her eyes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "うつろ" fits here because it means "vacant; empty; hollow; blank (expression)" in the context of: "She stared out the window with a vacant look in her eyes.". "虚ろ" represents "vacant; hollow; blank; empty".