Meaning and Usage
"公共" (こうきょう) refers to things that are public or communal, shared by the community or society at large. It is often used to describe facilities, services, or spaces that are accessible to everyone.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "公共" in contexts like "公共交通機関" (public transportation), "公共料金" (public utility fees), and "公共の場所" (public places). These collocations emphasize the shared or societal nature of the noun.
Register and Politeness
"公共" is a neutral term used in formal and informal contexts. It appears often in news, official documents, and everyday conversation when discussing community-related topics.
Common Collocations
- 公共交通機関: public transportation systems
- 公共料金: public utility fees (water, electricity, gas)
- 公共施設: public facilities
- 公共の場所: public places
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "公共" with "公的" (こうてき), which also means "public" but is more related to official or governmental aspects. "公共" emphasizes shared use by the community, while "公的" often refers to official or administrative matters.