Translation and Meaning of: 空 - kara

The Japanese word 空[から] is a versatile term full of nuances, present in the daily life and culture of Japan. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, translation, or how to use it in sentences, this article will clarify everything in a simple and direct way. We will explore everything from its origin to practical examples, including tips for memorization and interesting facts that make this word so intriguing. Whether for studies or pure curiosity, understanding 空[から] is an important step in learning Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 空 [から]

空[から] is a word that can be translated as "empty" or "nothing," but its meaning goes beyond that. Depending on the context, it can indicate something that is without content, like an empty box, or even an action done without purpose. For example, in the sentence "箱は空です" (hako wa kara desu), the translation would be "the box is empty."

In addition to its literal meaning, から also appears in expressions like "かばんから本を取り出す" (take a book out of the bag), where it indicates origin or starting point. This duality of meanings makes the word useful in various situations, from everyday conversations to more formal texts.

Origin and cultural use of 空[から]

The origin of 空[から] is linked to the kanji 空, which represents "sky" or "emptiness". This character is composed of the radical 穴 (ana, "hole") and 工 (kou, "work"), suggesting the idea of something open or unobstructed. In Japanese culture, the concept of "emptiness" has roots in Buddhism and Zen, where 空 (ku) symbolizes impermanence and the transitory nature of things.

In daily life, から is a common word, appearing in phrases like "からっぽ" (karappo, "completely empty") or in expressions like "空回り" (karamawari, "running in place"). Its frequent use shows how the Japanese language values word economy and precision in meanings.

Tips for memorizing and using 空[から]

An effective way to memorize 空[から] is to associate it with concrete situations, like an empty cup or a room without furniture. Creating flashcards with sentences like "この瓶は空です" (kono bin wa kara desu – "this bottle is empty") also helps to cement the vocabulary. Another tip is to pay attention to animes or dramas where the word appears, as the visual context makes understanding easier.

For those studying Japanese, it is worth practicing the difference between 空[から] and other similar words, such as 空白 (kuuhaku, "blank space") or 空虚 (kuukyo, "emotional void"). Observing these nuances enriches vocabulary and avoids confusion when speaking or writing.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 天空 (Tenku) - Open sky, space above.
• 空気 (Kuuki) - Air, atmosphere.
• 大気 (Taiki) - Atmosphere, the layer of air that surrounds the Earth.
• 宙 (Chuu) - Space (empty); (literally) sky, space between the Earth and the sky.
• 虚空 (Kokuu) - Empty, empty space, abyss.
• 真空 (Shinkuu) - Vacuum, absolute empty space.
• 空白 (Kuhaku) - Blank space, empty (may refer to unfilled space).
• 空間 (Kuukan) - Space, area (referring to physical space).
• 空腹 (Kuhuku) - Empty stomach, hunger.
• 空想 (Kusou) - Fantasy, imagination (creative).
• 空虚 (Kuukyo) - Empty, lack of content or meaning.
• 空席 (Kuuseki) - Empty seat, unoccupied place.
• 空港 (Kuukou) - Airport, a place for the boarding and disembarking of aircraft.
• 空手 (Karate) - Unarmed, unarmed combat technique.
• 空中 (Kuchuu) - In the air, above, airspace.
• 空軍 (Kuugun) - Air force, a military branch that operates aircraft.
• 空っぽ (Karappo) - Empty, with nothing inside.
• 空地 (Kuchi) - Empty lot, vacant space.
• 空前 (Kuuzen) - Unprecedented, without previous examples.
• 空発 (Kuuhatsu) - Empty production, an expression for an idea or concept without foundation.
• 空疎 (Kuso) - Superficiality, emptiness in substance.
• 空模様 (Kumoyou) - Sky conditioning, weather forecast (as sky appearance).
• 空挺 (Kuuttei) - Skydiving, free fall descent.
• 空冷 (Kuu-rei) - Vacuum cooling.
• 空調 (Kuchou) - Air conditioning, temperature control system.
• 空気圧 (Kuukiatsu) - Air pressure, referring to the force exerted by the air.
• 空気感 (Kuukikan) - Feeling of air, atmosphere of a place.