虚
虚·empty, false
- On-yomi
- キョコ
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 虚偽 | きょぎ | falsehood, untruth |
| 虚弱 | きょじゃく | frail, feeble |
| 虚栄心 | きょえいしん | vanity |
| 虚空 | こくう | empty space, the void |
Example sentences
虚偽の報告をしてはいけない。
きょぎのほうこくをしてはいけない。
You must not file a false report.
彼は虚栄心が強すぎる。
かれはきょえいしんがつよすぎる。
He is far too vain.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- 虚空 is read こくう, not きょくう — 虚 switches to コ here.
- 虚弱 describes a frail constitution, not a weak-willed person.
Memory aid
Picture it
The tiger's head 虍 over an empty frame — the stripes are there but nothing stands underneath: all show, no substance.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 虚 mean?