Meaning
Shared interests or traits.
Cultural Background
The 'Comune' is the heart of Italian identity. People often identify more with their town (comune) than their region or country. Having something 'in comune' is a linguistic reflection of this shared civic pride. In Italy, sharing food is a way of life. 'Mettere in comune' several appetizers (antipasti) is a standard social practice that reinforces group bonds. Italians love to find 'tratti in comune' (shared traits) between newborns and ancestors. It's a way of keeping the family history alive. While 'in comune' is standard Italian, many dialects have their own versions, but the concept of 'sharing the public space' remains central across the peninsula.
The 'Niente' Trick
To sound more native, use 'niente in comune' instead of 'non abbiamo cose simili'. It's much more natural.
Capitalization
In writing, 'il Comune' (capital C) refers to the government. 'in comune' (lowercase) refers to the shared concept.
Meaning
Shared interests or traits.
The 'Niente' Trick
To sound more native, use 'niente in comune' instead of 'non abbiamo cose simili'. It's much more natural.
Capitalization
In writing, 'il Comune' (capital C) refers to the government. 'in comune' (lowercase) refers to the shared concept.
Small Talk Gold
Finding something 'in comune' is the fastest way to end an awkward silence in Italy.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere' and the phrase 'in comune'.
Io e mia sorella __________ molto __________.
The subject is 'Io e mia sorella' (we), so we use 'abbiamo'. The phrase 'in comune' is invariable.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'We share a passion for music'.
We use 'avere' + 'in comune' + [noun].
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Ti piace il cinema horror? B: No, lo odio. A: Peccato, non __________ niente __________!
The speaker is talking about 'us' (the two people in the conversation).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to suggest pooling money for a group gift.
'Mettere in comune' is used for pooling resources.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Avere vs Mettere
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIo e mia sorella __________ molto __________.
The subject is 'Io e mia sorella' (we), so we use 'abbiamo'. The phrase 'in comune' is invariable.
Choose the correct way to say 'We share a passion for music'.
We use 'avere' + 'in comune' + [noun].
A: Ti piace il cinema horror? B: No, lo odio. A: Peccato, non __________ niente __________!
The speaker is talking about 'us' (the two people in the conversation).
You want to suggest pooling money for a group gift.
'Mettere in comune' is used for pooling resources.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, e.g., 'Abbiamo un bagno in comune' (We share a bathroom).
It is always 'in comune'. 'Di comune' is only used in the specific phrase 'di comune accordo' (by mutual agreement).
No, in this phrase it is an adverbial expression and stays singular.
Non abbiamo niente in comune.
Yes! 'Tutti noi abbiamo in comune la stessa lingua.'
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Condividere' is the action of sharing; 'avere in comune' is the state of having shared traits.
It's better to say 'abbiamo in comune la passione per la pizza'.
Yes, very often to describe shared goals or market segments.
It means to pool resources or ideas for a group to use.
Yes, many Italian pop songs use it to describe romantic connections.
Absolutely. 'Hanno in comune lo stesso sorriso.'
Related Phrases
andare d'accordo
similarto get along with someone
condividere
synonymto share
punti di contatto
similarpoints of contact/overlap
fare a metà
specialized formto go halves
bene comune
builds onthe common good
