1.
empty words; falsehood; lie; fabrication
Words without substance or truth; something said that has no basis in reality. Has a somewhat literary or classical tone.
A compound of 空 (empty, sky — here meaning 'empty' or 'hollow') + 言 (words, saying). A somewhat literary or elevated word for a lie or empty talk.
Common collocations
- 空言を言う: to tell lies, to speak empty words
- 空言にすぎない: to be nothing but empty words
- 空言に終わる: to end up as mere words
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This word has a literary, somewhat classical feel. In everyday conversation, 嘘 (lie) or 口先だけ (lip service) are more common. 空言 tends to appear in written language, formal speech, or proverbs.