空手 (kōng shǒu) — empty-handed; bringing nothing; unarmed; without weapons; without notes or reference (e.g., performing from memory)
Definition
Used as an adverb before a verb to mean 'without bringing anything, without tools or notes'. It modifies how an action is performed, not a state on its own.
adverb
empty-handedbringing nothingunarmedwithout weaponswithout notes or reference (e.g., performing from memory)
Examples
- 空手。Tā kōng shǒu lái cān jiā wǎn huì.He came to the party empty-handed.
- 空手。Tā kōng shǒu yǔ dǎi tú bó dòu.He fought the gangster unarmed.
- 空手,。Tā kōng shǒu yǎn jiǎng, méi yǒu yòng gǎo zi.He gave a speech without notes, didn't use a script.
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