How to say "empty-handed" in Japanese

• 無手むて
  no-adjectiveA less common word for 'empty-handed' in which the 'unarmed' and 'lacking funds' senses are often the point; it suits facing an opponent without a weapon, or having no money.
• 素手ですでで
  adverbEssentially 'barehanded': doing something with the bare hands, without a tool or weapon. As 'empty-handed' it is less common, fitting when the emphasis is on how something is done rather than on carrying nothing.
• 空からJLPT N3approx.Common
  prefixThe common word of the three: 'empty-handed' as simply not carrying anything, unburdened. It fits someone who goes out or comes back with nothing in hand.

空 is the common word for 'empty-handed' as simply carrying nothing; 「素手で」 stresses bare hands — no tool or weapon; 無手, also less common, leans toward 'unarmed' and 'lacking funds'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 無手むてempty-handed
• 素手ですででempty-handed
• 手ぶらてぶら(being) empty-handed
• 空からnot carrying anything