Meaning and Usage
"公立" (こうりつ) refers to institutions or facilities that are established and operated by the government or public authorities. It is commonly used to describe schools, hospitals, libraries, and other public services.
Common Contexts
You will often see "公立" paired with words like 学校 (school), 病院 (hospital), 図書館 (library), indicating that these are publicly funded and accessible to the general population.
Collocations and Patterns
- 公立学校 (こうりつがっこう): public school, emphasizing government funding and lower tuition.
- 公立病院 (こうりつびょういん): public hospital, highlighting public healthcare services.
- 公立図書館 (こうりつとしょかん): public library, a community resource.
Register and Nuance
"公立" is a formal term used in official contexts and everyday conversation when distinguishing public institutions from private ones. It carries a neutral tone and is not typically used in casual slang.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "公立" with "国立" (こくりつ, national) or "私立" (しりつ, private). Remember that "公立" means public at a local or municipal level, while "国立" refers to national government institutions, and "私立" refers to privately run institutions.