adjective HSK 4
public · common · communal
Meaning
公共 describes things that are shared by or accessible to all members of a community or the general public. It contrasts with private or personal ownership, emphasizing collective use and benefit.
Usage
Commonly used as a modifier before nouns to indicate public facilities, services, or spaces. Frequently appears in formal contexts like signage, news, and official documents. Often paired with words like 场所 (places), 设施 (facilities), 交通 (transportation), and 卫生 (hygiene).
Examples
- 01请保持公共场所的清洁。.Please keep public places clean.
- 02这个城市的公共交通非常方便。.Public transportation in this city is very convenient.
Characters
Common collocations
- 公共交通public transportation
- 公共场所public place
- 公共设施public facilities
- 公共卫生public health/hygiene
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the concept of sharing and collective use. 公 originally meant 'impartial' or 'official,' while 共 means 'together.' Combined, they emphasize resources or spaces that belong to everyone collectively.