Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Temos amigos em comum.

Temos amigos em comum.

We have friends in common.

Breakdown of Temos amigos em comum.

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Questions & Answers about Temos amigos em comum.

Why doesn't comum become plural to match amigos?

In this sentence, comum isn't acting as a standalone adjective. It is part of the fixed prepositional phrase em comum (in common). Because it is a fixed phrase, it is invariable and doesn't change to match the plural noun amigos.

Could I just use the adjective and say Temos amigos comuns?

You can, but it risks ambiguity. While amigos comuns can mean 'mutual friends', the adjective comum also translates to 'ordinary' or 'commonplace'. Saying amigos em comum makes it completely clear that you mean friends shared between two people, avoiding any confusion.

Why is the article omitted here instead of saying Temos uns amigos em comum?

Portuguese often drops the plural indefinite article (uns or umas) when referring to an undefined quantity or a general concept, just like English does. Including uns is grammatically correct but changes the nuance slightly to 'We have some friends in common' rather than the general statement.