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común
/koˈmun/
common
El problema es muy común en estudiantes de secundaria.
The problem is very common among high school students.
general
Belonging to or shared by all members of a group; not special or unique.
Es un error común en principiantes.
It's a common mistake among beginners.
Often used to describe things that are widespread or ordinary.
general
Ordinary; not unusual or special.
Vive en una casa común.
He lives in a common house.
Can imply lack of distinction or mediocrity.
formal/literary
Relating to the lower social classes; vulgar or coarse.
Sus modales eran demasiado comunes para la alta sociedad.
His manners were too common for high society.
Rare in modern usage; often replaced by 'vulgar' or 'ordinario'.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common vs. Ordinary
In Spanish, 'común' often implies shared characteristics (e.g., 'un idioma común'), while 'ordinario' can imply mediocrity (e.g., 'una persona ordinaria').
Gold Rule
Position in Sentences
As an adjective, 'común' usually follows the noun it modifies (e.g., 'un problema común').
Word Origin
From Latin *communis* ('shared by all, common'), related to *munus* ('duty, service').
Usage Notes
In Spanish, 'común' can describe both shared characteristics and lack of distinction. Avoid confusion with 'común y corriente' (ordinary, run-of-the-mill).
Word Breakdown
común
shared, common
rootDiccionario Español-Inglés