Chinese word

公用

Pronunciation

Pinyingōng yòng

Meaning

  • adjectivepublic

Example

这台打印机是公用的，经常有人用。zhè tái dǎ yìn jī shì gōng yòng de jīng cháng yǒu rén yòng

This printer is for public use and is often used.

Illustration for 公用 (public)

More examples

出差必须使用单位的公用车。chū chāi bì xū shǐ yòng dān wèi de gōng yòng chē

When traveling on business, you must use your unit's official vehicle.

Core concept

A resource placed outside personal possession so a group, institution, or the public can use it.

Common phrases

  • 公用车gōng yòng chē

    official vehicle

  • 公用文件gōng yòng wén jiàn

    official documents

  • 公用经费gōng yòng jīng fèi

    public funds

Similar words

共用gòng yòng: Available for shared use by several people or groups.
公有gōng yǒu: Held by a community or organization instead of a private person.
专用zhuān yòng: Made exclusively for a specific purpose or user.
私用sī yòng: Used for a person's own needs or activities.

Definition in Chinese

为机关、团体或公众提供使用的（非个人私用）wèi jī guān tuán tǐ huò gōng zhòng tí gōng shǐ yòng de fēi gè rén sī yòng

Word origin

公用 (gōngyòng, "public use") is formed from 公 (gōng, "public") + 用 (yòng, "use"), linking a public or institutional purpose with something meant to be used.

Usage tips

  • In notices and labels, the important question is often purpose rather than ownership: an office printer or vehicle can serve a group without being open to every member of the public.

Other meanings

  • officialadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 公用性gōng yòng xìngpublic-use naturenoun
  • 公用车gōng yòng chēofficial vehiclenoun

Word lists with this word