Definition
共 (gòng) has two main uses: (1) before a number, it means 'in total, altogether' — more formal than 一共 (yīgòng) and similar to 总共 (zǒnggòng); (2) before a verb, it means 'jointly, together' — more formal/literary than 一起 (yīqǐ). It is often used in written or statistical contexts.
adverb
in totalaltogether (used before a number to indicate the sum)jointlytogether (used before a verb to indicate collective action)
Easily confused
- 黄huánglook-alikeyellow (the color)
- 宫gōngsound-alikepalace
- 散sǎnlook-aliketo come loose; to fall apart; to become undone
- 公gōngsound-alikepublic; common; collectively owned
- 粪fènlook-alikemanure, dung
- 攻gōngsound-aliketo attack (physically)
- 哄hǒnglook-aliketo coax, to soothe
- 功gōngsound-alikeachievement; meritorious deed; contribution
- 拱gǒnglook-aliketo arch (the back, a bridge, etc.)
- 弓gōngsound-alike(noun) bow (weapon)
Examples
- 共。Wǒmen gòng sān gè rén.There are three of us in total.
- 共。Zhège bān gòng sānshí gè xuéshēng.This class has thirty students in total.
- 。Wǒmen gòng yòng yí gè chúfáng.We share a kitchen together.
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