常識

• Reading: じょうしき
• Romaji: jōshiki
• Kanji breakdown: 常 (jō) — ordinary; 識 (shiki) — knowledge, understanding
• Pronunciation: /dʑoːɕiki/

Meaning

Common sense; conventional wisdom; general knowledge expected of any reasonable person.

A noun referring to the shared understanding of norms, facts, and appropriate behaviour within a society. 常識がある means one possesses good judgement, while 常識がない is a serious social criticism implying immaturity or ignorance of social norms.

Examples

1. 社会人として最低限の常識は持っておくべきだ。 As a working adult, you should have at least a basic level of common sense.
2. 常識的に考えれば、その申し出を断るのが自然だろう。 If you think about it with common sense, it would be natural to decline that offer.
3. 彼女の常識を疑うような発言が会議の空気を凍りつかせた。 Her remark, which made everyone question her common sense, froze the atmosphere in the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: social norms, workplace, education, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 常 (ordinary, regular) and 識 (knowledge, awareness). Modelled on the English concept of 'common sense' (コモン・センス) and popularised during the Meiji era as Western civic values were adapted into Japanese society.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal