The Chinese word **空洞** (kōngdòng) is a compound term formed by combining two characters with related meanings: **空** (kōng), meaning "empty" or "hollow," and **洞** (dòng), meaning "hole" or "cave." Together, they create a metaphorical meaning that extends beyond the literal idea of an empty cavity. The term describes something that is devoid of substantive content, often used figuratively to criticize speech, writing, or ideas that are vacuous, abstract, or lacking in practical value or concrete detail. Its formation follows a common pattern in Chinese where two synonymous or complementary characters are joined to emphasize and refine a single abstract concept.