公共 — meaning in English: public

kōkyō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for public

禁止

kinshi

現実

genjitsu

勝利

shōri

公共

kōkyō

病院

byōin

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use '公共' (kōkyō) in discussions about facilities like parks, libraries, or transportation systems that serve the general populace. For instance, you might hear it in a conversation about the importance of public health initiatives or while referring to public events that are accessible to everyone.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is '市民' (shimin), which specifically means 'citizen' and implies a more personal connection to the public sphere. While '公共' emphasizes the idea of being available to all, '市民' focuses on individual rights and responsibilities within that public context.

Culture

'公共' has its roots in the classical Chinese term '公' (gōng), meaning 'public' or 'common,' and '共' (xiāng), which suggests sharing. In Japanese culture, the concept of public welfare is highly valued, often reflecting the collective responsibility towards community well-being, such as maintaining clean public spaces or supporting public education.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word 公共 mean?

'公共' (kōkyō) translates to 'public' in English, referring to things that are accessible to everyone, such as public spaces or services.

Q.How is 公共 used in sentences?

You can use '公共' in sentences like '公共交通機関は便利です' (Kōkyō kōtsū kikan wa benri desu), which means 'Public transport is convenient.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 公共?

A common mistake is using '公共' when referring to something private or personal. Always ensure that '公共' is used in contexts related to shared or community resources.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000