公

• Pinyin: gōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 公 = 八 (divide) + 厶 (private, but inverted) — meaning 'not private,' i.e., public or common

Meaning

Public; common; official; male (of animals). A fundamental character with multiple meanings.

As an adjective/prefix: 公共 (public), 公开 (open, public), 公正 (fair, just), 公司 (company), 公园 (park). For animals: 公鸡 (rooster), 公牛 (bull). Also means 'grandfather' in some contexts (外公, 老公). Antonym: 私 (private) or 母 (female, for animals).

Examples

1. 这件事应该公开透明地处理，接受公众监督。 This matter should be handled openly and transparently, subject to public supervision.
2. 公私分明是一个管理者最基本的素质。 Keeping a clear distinction between public and private interests is a manager's most basic quality.
3. 他对人总是一视同仁，非常公正。 He always treats everyone equally and is very fair.

Usage Guide

Context: official, descriptions, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这是公共场所。(This is a public place.)
• 我们要公平竞争。(We should compete fairly.)

Don't Say

• 把公和工混淆 (Don't confuse 公 (public) with 工 (work) — they sound similar but have different meanings)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a division or sharing (八 split + 厶 private = opposite of private). Extended to mean public, common, or impartial.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal