Explore 共 in the words 共通 and 共同. Learn the reading and meaning of each complete word in context.

The idea

Kanji may have Japanese-origin and Chinese-origin readings; learn each with its word. Compare 共通（きょうつう） and 共同（きょうどう）. 共 has 6 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
共通きょうつうcommon; shared
共同きょうどうjoint; collaborative
共にともにtogether; jointly

Examples

  • 二人ふたりには共通きょうつうの趣味しゅみがあります。The two have a hobby in common.
  • これはみんなに共通きょうつうの問題もんだいです。This is a problem common to everyone.
  • 二ふたつの大学だいがくが共同きょうどう研究けんきゅうをしています。Two universities are conducting joint research.
  • この作業さぎょうはみんなの共同きょうどう作業さぎょうです。This work is a joint effort by everyone.
  • 友達ともだちと共ともに目標もくひょうを目指めざします。I work toward a goal together with my friend.
  • みんなと喜よろこびを共ともにしました。I shared the joy with everyone.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

共通 describes something shared; 共同 usually describes an activity done jointly. Compare the components: 共／供：亻＋共。

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 共通 in hiragana.

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    きょうつう

    共通 is read きょうつう; it means common; shared. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  2. Write the reading of 共同 in hiragana.

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    きょうどう

    共同 is read きょうどう; it means joint; collaborative. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: ＿に（ともに）.

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    共

    共 completes 共に, read ともに; the word means together; jointly.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 共 from memory, and read 共通 and 共同 aloud. Then check the readings and meanings.