Translation guide
Expressing shared characteristics, interests, or features between people or things.
We have a lot in common.
They have nothing in common.
To say that two or more people or things share a quality, feature, or attribute.
A natural pattern meaning 'A and B share C'. C is the thing they have in common.
He and I have hobbies in common.
These two works have a theme in common.
Used to describe 'C that is common to A and B'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
We will look for problems that both have in common.
Noun meaning 'common point' or 'thing in common'. Often used in the phrase 共通点がある (to have something in common).
We have a lot in common.
A simpler pattern meaning 'A and B have the same C'. More direct than 共通している but very common.
He and I have the same hometown.
To express that people share an interest, hobby, or experience.
Same pattern as above, but used for interests or experiences. Very natural.
She and I have musical taste in common.
Literally 'A and B are connected by C'. Used for shared interests or backgrounds, often in casual conversation.
We have anime in common. (lit. We are connected through anime.)
To say that two people or things share no characteristics or interests.
Standard way to say 'A and B have nothing in common'.
Those two have absolutely nothing in common.
Another natural way to say 'A and B have nothing in common'.
We have nothing in common.
The English phrase 'have in common' does not translate directly to a single Japanese verb. Use patterns with 共通 (common) or 同じ (same) instead.