虚無(きょむ)

虚無(きょむ) is a philosophical and literary term referring to nothingness or the void—the absence of meaning, value, or existence.

COMPOUNDS:

• 虚無主義(きょむしゅぎ): nihilism
• 虚無感(きょむかん): sense of emptiness/void
• 虚無的(きょむてき): nihilistic

USAGE:
Used in philosophical, existentialist, and literary contexts. For everyday 'empty,' use 空(から)っぽ or 空虚(くうきょ) instead.

KANJI:
虚(きょ) means 'empty/void' and 無(む) means 'nothing.' Together they emphasize complete absence or meaninglessness.