How to say "vacuum" in Japanese

• 真空しんくうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe literal, scientific sense: a space with no air or matter, as in physics or engineering contexts such as sealed containers or outer space. This is the word for vacuum as a physical state.
  その実験じっけんには真空しんくうが必要ひつようだ。↗

  For that experiment they need a complete vacuum.
• 掃除機そうじきCommon
  nounThis is really the appliance, the vacuum cleaner you use to clean floors, not the abstract or scientific sense. Choose it when 'vacuum' means the machine, as in 'run the vacuum' or 'vacuum the carpet'.
  この掃除機そうじきは非常ひじょうにうるさい音おとがする。↗

  This vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise.
• 空白くうはくCommon
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveThe figurative sense: a blank, gap, or void, as in a power vacuum or a vacuum left in someone's life after a loss. It points to an absence of content or activity rather than to air or machines.
  母ははの死しは私の生涯しょうがいに大おおきな空白くうはくを残のこした。↗

  The death of my mother left a big blank in my life.

Use 真空 for a physical vacuum (absence of air or matter), 掃除機 for the household appliance, and 空白 for a figurative vacuum such as a gap or void left by something's absence.

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

• 真空しんくうvacuum
• 掃除機そうじきvacuum cleaner
• バキュームvacuum
• 掃除機をかけるそうじきをかけるto vacuum
• 空白くうはくblank