Translation and Meaning of: 空想 - kuusou
The Japanese word 空想 [くうそう] carries a fascinating meaning that blends imagination, daydreaming, and even a touch of fantasy. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of "daydreaming" or creating imaginary worlds, this article will explore everything about this term. We will go through its meaning and writing in kanji, as well as its use in everyday life and Japanese culture.
In addition to understanding the literal translation of 空想, we will see how it appears in real contexts, from informal conversations to references in anime and literature. If you are a Japanese language student or just curious about the language, discover how this word can enrich your vocabulary and understanding of the Japanese mindset.
Meaning and writing of 空想
空想 is composed of two kanjis: 空 (empty, sky) and 想 (thought, idea). Together, they form the concept of "imagination," "fantasy," or "daydream." Unlike literal dreams (夢), 空想 specifically refers to conscious mental constructions, such as when someone creates stories in their mind or gets lost in unreal thoughts.
In writing, it is important to note that the second kanji, 想, often appears in words related to abstract thoughts, such as 理想 (ideal) or 思想 (ideology). This relationship helps to understand why 空想 carries a more elaborate meaning than simply "imagination."
Everyday and cultural use
In Japan, 空想 is not a rare word, but it is also not one of the most frequent in everyday life. It appears more in creative contexts, such as discussions about art, literature, or when someone comments on "traveling" in their own thoughts. For example, a teacher may praise a student's "空想力" (imaginative capacity) in an essay.
Culturally, the appreciation of fantasy in Japanese society — whether in mangas, Ghibli studios, or the tradition of folktales — gives 空想 a special place. It is no surprise that it appears in the titles of famous works, such as the anime "空想科学読本", which blends science and fiction.
Tips for memorization and curiosities
An effective way to memorize 空想 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images: 空 (empty sky) + 想 (thought) = "thoughts that fly in the sky." This visualization matches the etymological meaning recorded in dictionaries like 大辞林, which defines 空想 as "thoughts without basis in reality."
Interestingly, although 空想 may have a positive connotation (creativity), in certain contexts it can suggest "unrealistic" or "naive" ideas. A politician, for example, might criticize another's plan as "空想的" (utopian). This duality shows how Japanese balances admiration for fantasy and pragmatism.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 妄想 (mōsō) - Illusion, delusion; a belief or fixed idea that has no basis in reality.
- 幻想 (gensō) - Fantasy; something that exists only in the mind, often related to idealized images or scenarios.
- ファンタジー (fantajī) - Fantasy; a genre of fiction that involves imaginary worlds and supernatural elements.
Romaji: kuusou
Kana: くうそう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: Daydream; fantasy; fantasy; vision
Meaning in English: daydream;phantasy;fancy;vision
Definition: Imagine something that doesn't exist.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (空想) kuusou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (空想) kuusou:
Example Sentences - (空想) kuusou
See below some example sentences:
Kuusou wa genjitsu ni naru kanousei ga aru
Fantasy can be a reality.
- 空想 (kuusou) - it means "fantasy" or "imagination"
- は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 現実 (genjitsu) - means "reality"
- に (ni) - Grammatical marker that indicates the location or target of the action
- なる (naru) - verb meaning "to become"
- 可能性 (kanousei) - It means "possibility".
- が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- ある (aru) - Verb that means "to exist"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
