Meaning and Usage
The word 空洞 (kōng dòng) primarily refers to a physical cavity or hollow space, such as a hole inside a rock or an empty chamber. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something lacking substance or meaningful content, such as a speech, article, or argument.
Common Collocations
- 空洞的岩石 (hollow rock): describing physical hollows
- 内容空洞 (hollow content): describing something lacking depth or real meaning
- 空洞的演讲 (hollow speech): a speech without substance
Usage Notes
When used literally, 空洞 emphasizes the emptiness inside an object. When used figuratively, it criticizes something as superficial or meaningless. This word often appears in formal or literary contexts when evaluating ideas, speeches, or writing.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 空洞 with 空白 (kōngbái), which means "blank" or "space left empty" but does not imply hollowness or lack of substance. 空洞 specifically conveys a hollow or cavity, either physical or metaphorical.