UP! button
Unicode: 1F199
Description
A squared red emoji with the Japanese kanji for 'empty' or 'vacant' (空, kū) written in white.
Group:
Symbols > alphanum
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
This emoji does not directly convey emotion; rather, it indicates a status or availability.
Backstory
The 🈙 emoji (Japanese '空', kū) was introduced as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010. It represents the concept of 'vacancy' and is primarily used in Japan to denote availability or emptiness, particularly in public service contexts like bus seats or hotel rooms.
Usage Examples
- Indicating an empty seat: 'Next stop, Shibuya. 🈳 seats available!'
- Showing a vacant parking spot: 'Parking lot 3 is currently 🈳.'
- Updating room availability: 'Hotel rooms are 🈳 tonight. Book now!'
- Status of a queue: 'The counter is 🈳, next customer please!'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Less commonly understood without context; might be mistaken for a general alert or 'no entry' sign if the kanji is not recognized. Often needs explanation or used by those familiar with Japanese terms.
East Asian culture:
Widely recognized in Japan, commonly used to indicate that a slot, room, or item is 'vacant,' 'empty,' or 'available.' Frequently seen on public transport to denote empty seats, or for parking spaces and hotel rooms.