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A2 adjective Neutral

comune

/koˈmu.ne/
Practice it Notes & Tips

Examples

1

È una cosa molto comune qui.

When talking about something that happens often in a particular place.

It's a very common thing here.

2

Hanno interessi comuni.

Referring to shared interests or characteristics between people or groups.

They have common interests.

3

Il nome comune della pianta è margherita.

When distinguishing a popular or everyday name from a scientific or formal one.

The common name of the plant is daisy.

4

La sala comune è al piano terra.

Referring to a shared space, often in a building like a dormitory or hotel.

The common room is on the ground floor.

5

Non è comune vedere la neve a maggio.

Expressing that something is unusual or rare.

It's not common to see snow in May.

Common Collocations

bene comune
senso comune
luogo comune
nome comune
denominatore comune

Often Confused With

comune vs w
80+ WORDS

Grammar Patterns

p1 p2 p3

How to Use It

Usage Notes

When using 'comune' in Italian, its grammatical gender and number must agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'il senso comune' (masculine singular), 'la lingua comune' (feminine singular - the common language), 'i problemi comuni' (masculine plural - common problems), 'le pratiche comuni' (feminine plural - common practices). Pay attention to whether you are referring to the adjective 'common' or the noun 'Comune' (the municipality), which is always capitalized and masculine singular. When referring to the adjective, it can precede or follow the noun depending on emphasis and style, though often it follows. For instance, 'una cosa comune' (a common thing) is typical. The adverbial form 'comunemente' (commonly) is also frequently used. Be mindful of contexts where 'comune' might imply 'vulgar' or 'unrefined,' although this is less frequent than its primary meanings of 'shared,' 'ordinary,' or 'municipal.'

Common Mistakes

Ensure you use the correct ending based on gender and number. 'Comune' is both masculine and feminine singular. For plural, it's 'comuni'.

Word Origin

From Latin commūnis

Cultural Context

The Italian word 'comune' directly translates to 'common' in English, but its cultural context extends beyond a simple adjective. It frequently appears in administrative and geographical terms. For instance, 'il Comune' (capitalized) refers to the local municipal government or the town hall itself, serving as a central hub for civic life and administration in every Italian town and city. This highlights a strong sense of local identity and governance within Italian culture. Beyond this, 'comune' can also describe things that are widespread, ordinary, or shared by many, reflecting a collective experience or understanding. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when implying something is too ordinary or unremarkable, but more often it simply denotes something ubiquitous. Its usage in phrases like 'senso comune' (common sense) further illustrates its integration into everyday cultural understanding, emphasizing practical, shared wisdom.

Memory Tip

The word 'comune' sounds like 'commune' in English. Imagine a commune where everyone shares things, making them common.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
'Comune' in Italian primarily means 'common' or 'shared'. It can describe something that is prevalent, widely distributed, or belongs to many individuals or a group. For instance, 'lingua comune' means 'common language', indicating a language shared by many people. It conveys the idea of something being ordinary, not special or unique, and accessible to everyone. This usage aligns closely with the English word 'common' when referring to general availability or occurrence, implying a lack of exclusivity or rarity in its nature or presence within a given context.
When used as a noun, 'comune' typically refers to a 'municipality' or 'town council'. In Italy, the 'Comune' is the basic administrative division, similar to a city hall or local government. For example, 'il comune di Roma' refers to the municipality of Rome. It can also refer to the physical building where the local government is located. This usage emphasizes the collective and administrative aspects of a community, where decisions and services are managed for the common good of its inhabitants, reflecting a shared civic responsibility and organizational structure inherent in the term.
Yes, 'comune' appears in several idiomatic expressions. One common phrase is 'senso comune', which translates to 'common sense', referring to good judgment and practical understanding. Another is 'fuori dal comune', meaning 'out of the ordinary' or 'uncommon', used to describe something unusual or exceptional. 'Messa in comune' refers to the act of pooling resources or sharing something collectively. These expressions highlight how the concept of 'commonness' extends beyond simple description to encompass shared understanding, societal norms, and collective actions within the Italian language, enriching its meaning.
For 'comune' (as an adjective meaning common), synonyms include 'generale' (general), 'diffuso' (widespread), 'ordinario' (ordinary), 'usuale' (usual), and 'condiviso' (shared). As for antonyms, 'speciale' (special), 'unico' (unique), 'raro' (rare), 'insolito' (unusual), and 'privato' (private) would be appropriate. These contrasting terms emphasize the spectrum from widespread and shared to unique and exclusive, showcasing the versatility of 'comune' in describing the prevalence or exclusivity of something, whether it be an idea, an object, or an experience, within various contexts and discussions.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Il ______ denominatore tra questi problemi è la mancanza di comunicazione.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

È un errore ______ pensare che la grammatica italiana sia facile.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

Hanno un interesse ______ per la musica classica.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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