común
/koˈmun/
The Spanish word for common is común.
The adjective común is used to describe something that is found in large numbers or in a large quantity. While común refers to things that are common, you might use frecuente if you specifically want to indicate that something occurs frequently or often.
Meaning: found in large numbers or in a large quantity (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression común y corriente is an informal way to convey the idea of something ordinary or typical.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term corriente can mean 'ordinary' or 'regular'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the adjective plural, add -es to form comunes.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈmun/
Did you know?
- Be careful using común to describe people in a formal setting, as it can sometimes sound dismissive or imply that the person is 'low-class' or 'vulgar'.
- To describe 'common ground' in a metaphorical sense, Spanish speakers typically use puntos en común which literally translates to 'points in common'.
- The phrase común y corriente is so ingrained in many dialects that it functions as a single unit of meaning, even though 'corriente' literally means 'current' or 'flowing'.
Examples in context
- Es un error común.It's a common mistake.This sentence shows how to use común to describe a mistake.Tatoeba #1602681 by marcelostockle, translation #20876 by CK
- Es un nombre común.It's a common name.This sentence shows how to use común to describe a name.Tatoeba #3566295 by AbMichael, translation #3565067 by CK
- Eso es sentido común.That's common sense.This sentence shows the use of común in the phrase 'common sense'.Tatoeba #1192259 by marcelostockle, translation #42217 by CK
- Es un problema común en nuestra sociedad.It is a common problem in our society.
- Los accidentes de tráfico son frecuentes en esta zona.Traffic accidents are common in this area.
- Es una práctica habitual en este país.It is a common practice in this country.
- El problema que mencionas es una situación corriente en nuestro sector.The problem you mention is a common situation in our industry.
- No te preocupes, eso es algo común y corriente.Don't worry, that's something common.
- Es una situación de todos los días en esta ciudad.It's a common situation in this city.
- 165 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about birds in the park.
- JavierMira ese pájaro, ¿es común aquí?Look at that bird, is it common here?
- MaríaSí, es muy común en esta ciudad.Yes, it is very common in this city.
- JavierNo sabía que había tantos.I didn't know there were so many.
- MaríaLo son, puedes verlos en todas partes.They are, you can see them everywhere.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “common” translations and entries común, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
