What does "common time" (C) indicate in music?

In music, "common time" refers to a time signature of 4/4. This means that there are four beats in each measure, and a quarter note receives one beat. The term "common time" is widely used because 4/4 is one of the most frequently used time signatures in Western music.

When musicians see a "C" symbol, they understand that the piece is structured to have four beats per bar, creating a steady and familiar rhythmic foundation that is easily recognizable across various genres. This time signature provides a balanced feel and is suitable for many different styles of music, making it a fundamental aspect of music theory and practice.

The other time signatures listed, such as 3/4, 6/8, and 2/2, serve different rhythmic purposes and characterize distinct musical feels, but they do not equate to what is defined as "common time." Therefore, 4/4 time is distinctly recognized as common time in the context of Western music.