Meaning

Primary

To Become Empty

Alternatives

To Become Vacant, To Become Available

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

You have the kanji for empty, so this verb means to become empty.

It can also have a slightly different meaning when it's read differently, but you'll learn this through other words later on, so don't worry about it for now.

Reading

あく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Whenever something is about to become empty, you can't help saying "Ah…" () to express your disappointment. Your glass of water is becoming empty? Ah… Your bag of chips is becoming empty? Ah… Exclaiming a little "Ah…" is the only thing that helps you cope with the sadness of your favorite things becoming empty.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 時間が空く

    to have free time

    テーブルが空く

    a table becomes available

    グラスが空く

    a glass becomes empty

Context Sentences

マサオのグラスが空くと、ミチコはそっとワインを注いだ。

When Masao's glass became empty, Michiko quietly poured wine into it.

スケジュールが空いてる日を教えてください。

Please let me know the days when your schedule is free.

ラッキーなことに、テーブルが一つ空いていたのですぐ店に入れました。

Luckily, there was one available table, so we were able to get seated at the restaurant right away.

Kanji Composition