Meaning

Primary

Empty

Alternatives

Vacant, Futile, Vain

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of void? It's empty or vacant. Just think of what has to happen to make a void in the first place.

Reading

むなしい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

If everything in life seems empty and futile, even cows will be affected. Listen to them say, "Moo, nah (むな), never mind. What's the point?" Nothing makes life seem empty like a cow saying "Moo, nah."

Context

Context Sentences

毎日泣いてばかりいるのは虚しい。

It's futile to just cry every day.

今日は何だか虚しい気分です。

I feel empty today, for some reason.

毎日同じような日々の人生で、虚しくなりませんか。

Do you feel empty, living the same daily life day after day?

Kanji Composition