The Meaning of kōkyō [公共] In Japanese

公共
こうきょう
Romaji: kōkyō N3

What does 公共 mean?

Translation and Meaning

public, communal

Definition

What does 公共 mean? It denotes things that belong to or are available to the general public, rather than private property or individuals, and is used to describe spaces, services, or concepts intended for communal use or welfare.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • the general public as a social sphere or audience
  • public spaces, facilities, or services intended for collective use
  • the welfare or interests of society as a whole

Composition

  • 公: public, official; relates to openness and access for all
  • 共: together, shared; connotes common use

Usage

Used in formal and policy contexts; in everyday conversation it appears in compound phrases such as 公共の場, 公共施設, 公共交通機関, 公共の福祉; appropriate for civil discourse and official communication.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think of doors marked 公 opening to all and two people 共 sharing; together they signal something that belongs to everyone and is available to all.

Variations

  • 公的 — public, official; kouteki
  • 公衆 — the public; koushuu
  • 私的 — private; shiteki
  • 共同の — common, shared; kyoudou no

Example Phrases

  • 公共の場では スマホを 見ないように する のが マナーだ。
    koukyou no ba de wa sumaho o minai you ni suru no ga manā da.
    In public places, it’s polite not to look at your smartphone.
    Lista:
    • 公共の場では (koukyou no ba de wa) – In public places
    • スマホを (sumaho o) – smartphone
    • 見ないように (minai you ni) – not to look
    • する (suru) – to do
    • のが (no ga) – nominalizer / that
    • マナーだ (manā da) – is manners
    Este frase usa 「公共」 como substantivo ‘public’, formando 「公共の場」 que significa ‘local público’; a partícula では indica o cenário ’em locais públicos’.
公共