虛 (xū) - Empty, void, hollow & false, vain

虛Tone 1

xū ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

虛 · xū

Empty, void, hollow;

false, vain;

abstract, theoretical;

modest, humble;

weak, feeble.

Empty, void, hollowfalse, vainabstract, theoretical

Usage highlights

Virtual realityModest and politeFalse nameWeak bodyEmpty talkAbstract concept

Synonyms

  • 空— empty, hollow
  • 假— false, fake
  • 弱— weak, feeble

Antonyms

  • 实— solid, real, true
  • 满— full
  • 强— strong

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The room is empty (房间是空的).
  • He has a weak constitution (他身体虚弱).
  • This is a virtual machine (这是一个虚拟机).
  • She is very modest (她很谦虚).

Collocations

  • Virtual reality(虚拟现实)
  • Modest and polite(谦虚)
  • False name(虚名)
  • Weak body(身体虚弱)
  • Empty talk(空谈虚论)
  • Abstract concept(抽象概念)

Idioms

  • With an open mind and without prejudice(虚怀若谷)
  • Acting cautiously as if walking on thin ice(虚与委蛇)
  • A false reputation undeserved(虚有其表)
  • Feigned attack(虚张声势)
  • Empty words without substance(虚词诡说)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Daoist philosophy, 'xu' (emptiness) is a central concept representing a state of receptive potential and non-action, as in the Dao De Jing: 'The Dao is empty, but using it, it is never filled.'
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, 'xu' describes a state of deficiency or weakness in the body's vital energy (qi), blood, or organ systems.
  • The character embodies a cultural value of humility and modesty, as seen in the common term 谦虚.

FAQ