Translation and Meaning of: 空く - aku

If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably come across the word 空く (あく), which means "to become empty" or "to be less crowded." But do you know how it originated or how the Japanese use it in everyday life? In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, and the practical use of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, you can also find ready sentences to study in Anki or any other spaced repetition system.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning but also for the origin and correct writing of 空く. Therefore, let's uncover its historical roots and everyday situations in which it appears. Want to find out why this word is so useful in spoken Japanese? Keep reading!

Etymology and origin of 空く

The word 空く (あく) comes from the verb aku, which is directly related to the kanji 空 (sora, kara), meaning "sky" or "empty." This ideogram is composed of 穴 (ana - hole) and 工 (kou - work), suggesting the idea of an open space or something that has been emptied. It's no surprise that it appears in words like 空気 (kuuki - air) and 空港 (kuukou - airport).

Interestingly, the use of 空く to indicate that something "became vacant" dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when it was already describing unoccupied seats or less crowded places. If you have ever tried to catch a train during rush hour in Tokyo, you know the relief it is when the carriages finally 空く!

Lies in Japanese everyday life

In Japan, 空く is often used to talk about places that have become less crowded. For example: 電車が空いた (densha ga aita) means "the train has emptied." But it also appears in unexpected contexts, such as in 予定が空く (yotei ga aku), indicating that the schedule has "opened" up a free space. Have you thought ing this word to set up that meeting you really want?

A common mistake among learners is to confuse 空く (aku) with 開く (aku), which is also read as "aku" but means "to open." The tip is to that 空く is always related to empty spaces, while 開く involves the action of opening something. Next time you see a packed restaurant, notice: when the tables 空く, it’s your chance to enter!

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To avoid forgetting the meaning of 空く, imagine a sky (空) without clouds — completely empty. Another technique is to relate it to real-life situations, like that moment when the public restroom finally 空く after a long line. It works better than memorizing lists, don't you think?

A curiosity is that 空く appears in useful travel expressions, such as 席が空いた (seki ga aita - "the seat became free"). If you plan to visit Japan, this word will be your ally to take advantage of spaces that were previously occupied. And there's more: in some regional dialects, it may take on different nuances, so stay alert!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 空く

• 空く - base form
• 空かない - Negative
• 空きます - Formal
• 空いています - Continuous form
• 空かせる - Causative
• 空いた - Past

Synonyms and similar words

• 開く (Hiraku) - open, become accessible
• 空ける (Akeru) - open (someone or something), vacate
• 空席になる (Kūsaki ni naru) - become empty/empty situation (referring to seats)
• 空白になる (Kūhaku ni naru) - become blank; area without content
• 空いている (Aite iru) - is empty, vacant
• 空っぽになる (Karappo ni naru) - become empty, completely empty
• 空いた (Aita) - became empty, vacated
• 空いている状態になる (Aite iru jōtai ni naru) - become unemployed
• 空いている状態である (Aite iru jōtai de aru) - to be in an idle state
• 空いている状態を保つ (Aite iru jōtai o tamotsu) - keep vacant status
• 空いている状態を維持する (Aite iru jōtai o iji suru) - maintain the status of unemployed
• 空いている状態を続ける (Aite iru jōtai o tsuzukeru) - remain unemployed
• 空いている状態を持続する (Aite iru jōtai o jizoku suru) - sustain unemployed status
• 空いている状態を保ち続ける (Aite iru jōtai o tamotsu tsuzukeru) - continue keeping the vacant state