public, prince, official, governmental
公 centers on what is open and shared by a group rather than private: public affairs, official roles, and governmental authority. The prince sense is a specific historical application of a high-ranking public figure.
opening to the public; making available to the public; exhibiting; unveiling; release (of a film, information, etc.); disclosure; publication
official; formal
public performance
(public) park
protagonist; main character; hero; heroine
official; governmental; formal
public (facilities, service, etc.); communal
official announcement; proclamation
public employee; government employee; public-sector worker; public servant; civil servant
official recognition; official approval; certification; authorization; authorisation
fairness; impartiality; justice; objectivity
justice; fairness; impartiality
public; official
the public; general public
public (institution)
private; non-public; secret; closed-door; closed
Komeito (Japanese political party)
public peace; public safety; public security; peace and order
informal; unofficial
public interest; public benefit; public good
declaration; profession
public appeal (e.g. for contributions); public advertisement (of a post); open recruitment
unfairness; injustice; partiality
official document; archives
公 is traditionally explained as 八 (division) and 厶 (private), suggesting opening up what is private to make it public. This component analysis is widely accepted.
The top 八 looks like dividing lines, and the bottom 厶 resembles a private enclosure. Together they show something private being opened up and divided among everyone: that is public.
For コウ, imagine a public announcement made by a loud gong: gong -> コウ, and the sound spreads openly to everyone.