JLPT N1
空砲
It’s a gunshot that’s just noise, no bullet. You hear it from starter pistols, or it can mean an empty threat.
Readings
Other forms
空包 kūhō - the physical blank cartridge
Noun
"Blank Shot" / "Empty Threat"
Refers to the sound of a gun firing a blank (a cartridge with no bullet), like a starter pistol at a race. Figuratively, it describes a threat or action that has no real power or effect.
Example
運動会 は 空砲 の 音 で 始まった 。
The sports festival began with the sound of the starting gun.
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