公衆(こうしゅう)

こうしゅう
noun
the public, general public
1. the public, general public
The people in general, especially when considered as a group that uses shared facilities or services. Almost always used as a modifier before another noun.
公衆(こうしゅう)トイレを探(さが)す。
Look for a public restroom.
公衆(こうしゅう)電話(でんわ)はだんだん少(すく)なくなっている。
Public phones are gradually becoming fewer.
公衆(こうしゅう)衛生(えいせい)の向上(こうじょう)は、感染症(かんせんしょう)の予防(よぼう)に欠(か)かせない。
Improvement of public hygiene is essential for the prevention of infectious diseases.

Almost exclusively used as a compound modifier before another noun. Rarely appears on its own.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 公衆(こうしゅう)トイレ (public restroom)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう)電話(でんわ) (public telephone, payphone)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう)衛生(えいせい) (public hygiene/health)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう)浴場(よくじょう) (public bathhouse)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう)道徳(どうとく) (public morals)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう)の面前(めんぜん) (in public, in front of everyone)

COMPARISON:

  • 公共(こうきょう): public (emphasizing communal ownership or service)
  • 公衆(こうしゅう): the public as people / for public use (often in compound nouns for shared facilities)
general
Added 2026.2.18 3:43
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