Translation guide
The English word "common" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on whether they mean something is frequent, shared, ordinary, or public.
それはよくある間違いです。
It's a common mistake.
私たちには共通の目標があります。
We have a common goal.
彼はただの普通の人です。
He's just a common man.
Describing something that occurs many times or is widespread.
A natural, everyday phrase meaning 'common' in the sense of something that happens often. It literally means 'exists often'.
この辺りでは地震がよくある。
Earthquakes are common in this area.
そういう間違いはよくあることだ。
That kind of mistake is common.
Means 'general' or 'common' in the sense of being typical or widespread. Slightly more formal than よくある.
Means 'commonplace' or 'ordinary', often with a nuance of being unremarkable or cliché. Used before nouns.
Describing something that belongs to or is used by multiple people or groups.
The most direct way to say 'common' in the sense of shared. It is an adjective that modifies a noun.
私たちには共通の友人がいる。
We have a common friend.
Describing something that is average, typical, or not exceptional.
The most common and versatile word for 'ordinary' or 'normal'. It can describe people, things, or situations.
彼は普通のサラリーマンだ。
He's a common office worker.
それは普通の反応だと思う。
I think that's a common reaction.
Describing something that is accessible to all people, like public property or knowledge.
Refers to public facilities, spaces, or interests. It is the standard term for 'common' in the sense of communal.
ここは公共の場です。
This is a common/public space.
公共の利益を考えるべきだ。
We should consider the common good.
Describing something that exists in large numbers or over a wide area.
Used for things like technology, ideas, or practices that have become widespread.
スマートフォンは世界中に普及している。
Smartphones are common all over the world.
Both can translate 'common', but 普通 (futsū) emphasizes normality or averageness, while 一般的 (ippanteki) emphasizes being widespread or typical of a group. 普通のサラリーマン (a typical office worker) vs. 一般的な名字 (a common surname).
The English phrase 'common sense' is not translated as 共通の感覚. The natural Japanese equivalent is 常識 (jōshiki). Saying 共通の感覚 would be confusing.
彼らには共通点が何もない。
They have nothing in common.
That surname is very common in this region.
It's a common story, but it really happened.
They share a common hobby.
Emphasizes joint ownership or use, like a shared space or resource.
このアパートには共有のランドリーがある。
This apartment has a common laundry room.
Means 'mediocre' or 'commonplace', often with a slightly negative nuance of being unremarkable.
平凡な毎日を送っている。
I lead a common, uneventful life.
Describes something as 'common' in the sense of being for the masses or down-to-earth, often used for food or culture.
この店は庶民的な雰囲気がいい。
This restaurant has a nice, common-man atmosphere.
Means 'general public' or 'ordinary people'. It is often used in contexts like 'common knowledge' or 'open to the public'.
それは一般の常識だ。
That's common knowledge.
Means 'prevalent' or 'widespread', but often has a negative connotation (e.g., disease, crime). Use with caution.
Often implies something undesirable is spreading.
その地域ではマラリアが蔓延している。
Malaria is common in that region.