空手 (kōng shǒu) — empty-handed; bringing nothing; unarmed; without weapons; without notes or reference (e.g., performing from memory)
Definition
Adverb meaning 'empty-handed, with nothing in hand' — used literally (bringing nothing, unarmed) and figuratively (without notes or a script). Often functions as a pre-verbal modifier: 空手来, 空手演讲.
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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