1.
public, communal
Relating to or provided for the general public or community. Used as a modifier before nouns to indicate that something is publicly owned, operated, or intended for common use.
公共の場ではマナーを守ろう。
Let's observe good manners in public places.
公共交通機関を利用してください。
Please use public transportation.
税金は公共サービスの維持に使われている。
Taxes are used to maintain public services.
Almost always used as a modifier before a noun: 公共の〜 or 公共〜.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 公共交通機関 (public transportation)
- 公共施設 (public facilities)
- 公共サービス (public services)
- 公共事業 (public works)
- 公共の場 (public place)
- 公共の利益 (public interest)
- 公共の福祉 (public welfare)
公共 emphasizes that something belongs to or serves the community as a whole, as opposed to being private.