Usage of 共同
The word 共同 (gòngtóng) is used to describe actions or attributes shared by two or more parties. It often appears before nouns to indicate something is done or held together, such as 共同目标 (common goal) or 共同努力 (joint effort).
Common Collocations
- 共同目标 (common goal): used when emphasizing shared objectives.
- 共同完成 (complete together): highlights cooperative action.
- 共同利益 (common interests): refers to shared benefits or stakes.
Nuances
Using 共同 implies cooperation and unity. It is more formal than simply saying 一起 (together) and often appears in professional, academic, or diplomatic contexts. Avoid confusing 共同 with 单独 (alone) or 自己 (oneself), as 共同 always involves multiple parties.
Register
This word is neutral to formal and suitable for written and spoken Chinese, especially in contexts involving collaboration or shared responsibility.