空 – Sky / Empty (Kū / Sora Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 空.
Kanji 空 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
空 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 空気 (kūki – air) and 空港 (kūkou – airport).
Used to mean the sky, as in 青い空が見えます (aoi sora ga miemasu).
空 Stroke Order – How to Write 空
空 is written with 8 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the roof/cave crown radical first with the top dot and horizontal turning line, followed by the left-falling stroke and right-falling stroke, and finish with the internal components and closing bottom line.
Common Words Using 空 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 空, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 空
See 空 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
今日の空はとても青いです。
きょうの そらは とても あおいです。
Kyō no sora wa totemo aoi desu.
The sky today is very blue.
飛行機が空を飛んでいます。
ひこうきが そらを とんでいます。
Hikōki ga sora o tonde imasu.
An airplane is flying in the sky.
明日、空港まで友達を迎えに行きます。
あした、くうこうまで ともだちを むかえに いきます。
Ashita, kūkō made tomodachi o mukae ni ikimasu.
Tomorrow, I will go to the airport to pick up my friend.
この部屋には空席がありますか。
このへやには くうせきが ありますか。
Kono heya ni wa kūseki ga arimasu ka.
Are there any vacant seats in this room?
冷蔵庫の中が空っぽです。
れいぞうこの なかが からっぽです。
Reizōko no naka ga karappo desu.
The inside of the refrigerator is completely empty.
Frequently Asked Questions About 空
What does the Kanji 空 mean?
空 means "sky" or "empty." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 空 (sora, sky) and 空気 (kuuki, air).
What is the Onyomi reading of 空?
The primary Onyomi reading of 空 is クウ (kū), as seen in compound words like 空気 (kūki, air) and 空港 (kūkou, airport).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 空?
The main Kunyomi readings are そら (sora) for sky, and あく (aku) or から (kara) when referring to vacancy or being empty.
How many strokes does 空 have?
空 is written with 8 strokes.
Is 空 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 空 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 1 of Japanese elementary school.
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