共通

• Reading: きょうつう
• Romaji: kyoutsuu
• Kanji breakdown: 共 (kyou) — together, both; 通 (tsuu) — pass through, communicate
• Pronunciation: /kjoː.tsɯː/

Meaning

Common; shared; mutual. Describes something that two or more parties have in common.

Functions as a na-adjective and noun. Common patterns include 共通の友人 (mutual friend), 共通点 (common point/trait), and 共通する (to have in common). Often used in discussions comparing people, cultures, or ideas. The の form (共通の) is especially frequent.

Examples

1. 私たちには共通の趣味がたくさんある。 We have a lot of hobbies in common.
2. 二つの事件に共通する点を調べた。 I looked into what the two cases have in common.
3. 英語は世界の共通語と言われている。 English is said to be the common language of the world.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, discussion, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 共 (kyou, together) and 通 (tsuu, pass through/communicate). The idea of 'passing through together' conveys shared access or mutual connection.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal