común
/koh-MOON/
common
Something seen everywhere is común (common).
común(Adjective)
common
?frequent or typical
,usual
?not special or surprising
ordinary
?everyday
📝 In Action
Es muy común ver perros en este parque.
A1It is very common to see dogs in this park.
La gripe es la enfermedad más común en invierno.
A2The flu is the most common illness in winter.
El arroz con pollo es un plato común en muchos países.
A1Rice with chicken is a common dish in many countries.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'común' usually comes after the noun it describes: 'un problema común' (a common problem).
⭐ Usage Tips
Adjective Form
This adjective stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (el uso común, la práctica común). Only the plural changes: comunes (los usos comunes).
When something is held by more than one person, it is común (shared).
común(Adjective)
shared
?mutually held or owned
,mutual
?relating to two or more people
joint
?in combination or together
📝 In Action
Tenemos varios intereses comunes, como la música.
A2We have several shared interests, such as music.
Necesitamos encontrar un punto común para negociar.
B1We need to find a common ground to negotiate.
El objetivo común de la reunión es firmar el contrato.
B2The mutual goal of the meeting is to sign the contract.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Mutuo' vs. 'Común'
Mistake: "Using *mutuo* for 'common friend' (*un amigo mutuo*)."
Correction: Always use *amigo común* in Spanish to mean 'mutual friend.' *Mutuo* is reserved for feelings or actions (e.g., *respeto mutuo*).
Behaving in a way that lacks refinement or good taste is considered común (vulgar).
común(Adjective)
vulgar
?lacking good taste or refinement
,crude
?coarse or unpolished
lowbrow
?referring to culture or art
📝 In Action
La crítica rechazó su estilo por considerarlo demasiado común.
C1The critic rejected his style for considering it too crude/plain.
Intentó evitar el uso de palabras comunes en su discurso.
B2He tried to avoid the use of vulgar words in his speech.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When used in this sense, 'común' takes on a negative tone, suggesting a lack of sophistication. It is usually clear from the context.
The majority of people, or the general public, is often referred to as el común (the average person).
📝 In Action
Esto es desconocido para el común de los mortales.
C1This is unknown to the average person (or common people).
La nueva ley afectará al común de la ciudadanía.
C2The new law will affect the general public.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrase
When used as a noun, it almost always appears with the masculine article 'el' (el común) and is often followed by 'de' (of) to define the group.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: común
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'común' to describe something that is SHARED?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'común' change depending on if the noun is masculine or feminine?
No, it is one of those 'two-ending' adjectives. It always stays 'común' for singular nouns (el error común, la duda común). It only changes to 'comunes' for plural nouns.
What is the difference between 'común' and 'ordinario'?
They are often synonyms, both meaning 'ordinary' or 'usual.' However, 'común' is more neutral and frequent. 'Ordinario' can sometimes carry a stronger implication of being rude or low-quality, especially when describing people or behavior.