‘共用’ is a verb meaning ‘to share (the use of something)’ — it emphasizes joint or mutual usage of a physical object, space, or resource by two or more people. The first character 共 (gòng) means ‘together’, ‘joint’, or ‘common’, while the second character 用 (yòng) means ‘to use’. Combined, they literally express ‘using together’, and the word always implies active, practical sharing rather than abstract commonality.

This term is commonly used in everyday contexts like housing, offices, schools, and public facilities — for example, shared bathrooms, kitchens, computers, or bicycles. It carries a neutral, practical tone and is frequently found in signs (e.g., ‘共用厨房’), rental agreements, and instructions. Unlike the more formal 共享 (gòng xiǎng), which often refers to digital or conceptual sharing (e.g., shared economy platforms), 共用 stresses direct, physical co-utilization of tangible items or spaces.