Translation and Meaning of: 公共 - koukyou

The Japanese word 公共[こうきょう] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand Japanese society and culture. It carries deep meanings related to collective space and the common good, being frequently used in official and everyday contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical use, and even some curiosities that may help with memorization. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding 公共 is an important step.

In addition to uncovering the translation and writing of this word, we will analyze how it is perceived in Japan. From its application in sentences to its cultural relevance, each detail will be explained clearly and directly. Whether for use in conversations or to understand news and documents, mastering 公共 can open doors to a deeper understanding of the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 公共

公共 [こうきょう] can be translated as "public" or "common," referring to something that belongs to or is used by the entire society. Unlike the Western concept, which often rigidly separates the public from the private, in Japan this word carries a notion of shared responsibility. It appears in terms such as 公共施設 (public facilities) and 公共交通 (public transportation), demonstrating its application in various contexts.

It is worth noting that 公共 is not limited to physical spaces. It can also describe services, norms, and even values that benefit the community. For example, phrases like "公共の利益を考える" (considering the public interest) illustrate how the term is connected to social well-being. This broad scope makes it a word frequently used in political and community discussions.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 公共 is composed of two kanjis: 公 (こう), which means "public" or "official", and 共 (きょう), which can be translated as "together" or "common". Together, they reinforce the idea of something that is shared by society. This combination is not random—it reflects Japanese cultural values that emphasize collective harmony.

Interestingly, the kanji 公 also appears in other important words, such as 公平 (justice) and 公開 (public disclosure). Meanwhile, 共 is used in terms like 共同 (cooperation) and 共有 (sharing). Understanding these radicals can facilitate memorization, as it shows how 公共 is connected to other fundamental concepts in the Japanese language.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, the notion of 公共 goes beyond its literal meaning—it is deeply connected to how people interact with space and society. Places like parks, libraries, and train stations are considered 公共施設, and their responsible use is seen as a civic duty. This respect for the collective is a defining characteristic of Japanese culture.

Another interesting aspect is how the word appears in discussions about public policy and infrastructure. Expressions like 公共事業 (public works) and 公共料金 (public tariffs) are common in news and debates. For Japanese students, recognizing these terms can be helpful both in language learning and in understanding Japanese society as a whole.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 公益 (koueki) - public interest; collective well-being;
• 公的 (kouteki) - Official; related to the public sector;
• 公共性 (kōkyō-sei) - Quality of being public; public nature;
• 公共的 (kōkyō-teki) - Decisions or actions made on behalf of the public;
• 公共施設 (kōkyō shisetsu) - Public facilities;
• 公共事業 (kōkyō jigyō) - Projects or works of public interest;
• 公共交通 (kōkyō kōtsū) - Public transport;
• 公共サービス (kōkyō sābisu) - Public services;

公共

Romaji: koukyou
Kana: こうきょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: public; community; public service; society; communal

Meaning in English: public;community;public service;society;communal

Definition: A word that refers to a place or service that is usually available to people.

Example Sentences - (公共) koukyou

See below some example sentences:

酔っ払いは公共の場で騒ぐべきではありません。

Yopparai wa kōkyō no ba de sawagu beki de wa arimasen

Drunks should not make noise in public places.

Drunk should not make noise in public.

• 酔っ払い - It means "drunk" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the "drunkard".
• 公共の場 - It means "public space" in Japanese.
• で - Location particle in Japanese, indicating that the action takes place in "public space".
• 騒ぐ - It means "make noise" in Japanese.
• べきではありません - Expression in Japanese that indicates a prohibition or a negative obligation, in this case, it means "must not do".