虚

void, vacant; false, falsehood; futile

Kanji 1156

In 虚 we find a hollow space, though it’s often filled with lies. As such, it pops up in words about bluffs, false fronts, and vanity, as well as emptiness, both emotional and physical. When an effort is in vain, leading to nothing, 虚 again enables us to express that. Learn about its surprising relationship to 実. Also find out why you should never choose a spouse who has a 虚業!

Revision History:

Feb. 17, 2017:

p. 2: Fixed a broken link.
p. 3: Deleted an extraneous quotation mark

Oct. 5, 2012: Originally published.

Want to Own This Kanji?

If you'd like to wear 虚心坦懐 (frankness), a common yojijukugo discussed in the essay, click the images to find these T-shirts on Zazzle:

Whenever you travel from Joy o' Kanji to Zazzle and buy something there, you'll be supporting my project. I have an affiliate relationship with Zazzle, so Joy o' Kanji receives a small percentage of the proceeds of such sales. If you like what I'm doing and you love kanji, I invite you to Zazzle up!