共通
kyōtsū[kʲo̞ːt͡sɨː]
The Japanese word for common is 共通 (kyōtsū).
共通 is used to describe things that are shared or held in common by two or more parties. When you want to express that people have things in common, it is typical to use the compound 共通点 (kyōtsū-ten), which adds the kanji for 'point' to the end of the word.
Meaning: found in large numbers or in a large quantity (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 共通, where 共 means 'together' or 'both' and 通 means 'pass through' or 'commute', literally implying something that passes through or is shared by both sides.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 共通 as an adjective to modify a noun, such as 'a common problem', you must add the particle の to form 共通の.
How do you pronounce it?
kyōtsū
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, finding a 共通点 (common point) is often viewed as a crucial first step in building 'wa' or social harmony between two strangers.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'common knowledge' is often expressed as 常識 (jōshiki), which literally translates to 'constant knowledge'.
- While 共通 means 'shared' or 'common', the Japanese word for 'common' in the sense of 'ordinary' or 'mundane' is actually 普通 (futsū).
Examples in context
- 僕らには何も共通点がない。We have nothing in common.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that people have nothing in common using 共通.Tatoeba #81717 by bunbuku, translation #321998 by CK
- 音楽は人類の共通語である。Music is a common speech for humanity.This sentence shows how to use 共通 to describe a common speech for humanity.Tatoeba #467327 by Namikaze, translation #25412 by RoyalBee
- 彼と私には共通点が何もない。I have nothing in common with him.This sentence is an example of using 共通 to say one has nothing in common with another person.Tatoeba #119197 by bunbuku, translation #284466 by CK
- 一般的な感謝の仕方 (ippanteki na kansha no shikata)Common way of expressing gratitude
- よくある間違い (yoku aru machigai)A common mistake
- よく使われる表現 (yoku tsukawareru hyōgen)Commonly used expressions
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari and Hiroto are discussing their shared interests.
- 陽葵 Himari私たち、共通の趣味がありますね。Watashitachi, kyōtsū no shumi ga arimasu ne.We have a common hobby, don't we?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だね。料理が好きなんだよね。Hontō da ne. Ryōri ga suki nan da yo ne.You're right. We both like cooking.
- 陽葵 Himari共通の話題があると嬉しいです。Kyōtsū no wadai ga aru to ureshii desu.I'm happy when we have common topics to talk about.
- 大翔 Hiroto僕もだよ。もっと話そう。Boku mo da yo. Motto hanasō.Me too. Let's talk more.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 共通, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
