1.
empty sky; void; thin air; empty space
The vast, empty expanse of sky or space. Used both literally for the sky/atmosphere and figuratively for a vacant, undefined space — often the direction someone stares into when lost in thought.
虚空を見つめる。
To stare into empty space.
彼女は虚空に向かって叫んだ。
She shouted into the void.
虚空を見つめたまま、彼は長い間黙っていた。
He remained silent for a long time, staring blankly into space.
Originally a Buddhist term (虚空) referring to the limitless, formless expanse that contains all things — similar to the concept of 'the void' or 'ether.' In modern usage, it most often describes the empty air or space that someone stares into when distracted, lost in thought, or in a state of shock.
USAGE:
Most commonly appears in the phrase 虚空を見つめる (to stare into space), describing someone gazing at nothing in particular. It has a literary, evocative quality.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 虚空を見つめる — to stare into empty space
- 虚空に手を伸ばす — to reach into thin air
- 虚空に消える — to vanish into thin air
RELATED TERMS:
- 空 — sky; the everyday word for the sky above
- 宇宙 — universe, outer space; the physical cosmos
- 空虚 — emptiness, hollowness; describes emotional or spiritual emptiness