关系

• Pinyin: guān xì
• Hanzi breakdown: 关 = simplified from 關, meaning to close or relate; 系 = from a pictograph of silk threads, meaning to tie or connect

Meaning

Relationship; connection. The fundamental term for interpersonal bonds, associations, or relevance between things.

As a noun, 关系 covers relationships between people, organizations, or concepts. It also means relevance or importance in phrases like 没关系 (it doesn't matter). In Chinese culture, 关系 carries extra weight as a concept of social networking and personal connections that facilitate getting things done.

Examples

1. 他们两个人的关系非常好。 The relationship between the two of them is very good.
2. 这件事和我没有关系。 This matter has nothing to do with me.
3. 保持好的同事关系对工作很重要。 Maintaining good colleague relationships is important for work.

Usage Guide

Context: social, work, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我和他的关系像兄弟一样。(My relationship with him is like brothers.)
• 没关系，不用担心。(It doesn't matter. Don't worry.)

Don't Say

• 我有很多关系在公司里。(Don't directly boast about having 关系 — it sounds like bragging about back-door influence. Say 我在公司认识很多人 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 关 (to close, to relate) and 系 (to tie, system). Together they describe the bonds or connections tying things together.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal