1.
blank space; empty space
An unfilled area on paper, a form, or a document.
空白を埋めてください。
Please fill in the blanks.
用紙の下に空白が残っている。
There is blank space remaining at the bottom of the form.
名前の欄が空白のままだったので、書き直してもらった。
The name field was left blank, so I had them rewrite it.
2.
void; gap; vacuum
A figurative emptiness or gap, such as a period of time with no activity or a void left by someone's absence.
10年の空白を経て復帰した。
He made a comeback after a ten-year gap.
彼がいなくなって、心に空白ができた。
When he was gone, a void formed in my heart.
履歴書に空白の期間があると、面接で質問されることが多い。
If there is a gap in your resume, you are often asked about it in interviews.
USAGE:
空白 is used both literally (empty space on paper) and figuratively (a void or gap in time or experience). The figurative usage is very common, especially in the expression 空白の期間 (a blank period).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 空白を埋める (to fill in the blank/gap)
- 空白の期間 (a blank period, gap)
- 権力の空白 (power vacuum)
RELATED WORDS:
- ブランク: blank, gap (loanword, often for career gaps)
- 余白: margin, blank space
- 隙間: gap, opening