亲

• Pinyin: qīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = simplified from 親; traditional form has 辛 (bitter) + 木 (tree) + 见 (see), suggesting close bonds forged through shared experience

Meaning

Close; intimate; dear. Describes a warm, affectionate relationship between people.

Used as an adjective meaning close or dear (亲人 = close family, 亲密 = intimate). Also used as a verb meaning to kiss (亲一下 = give a kiss). In modern internet culture, 亲 has become a popular friendly greeting online, similar to 'dear' in English. Very versatile across registers.

Examples

1. 她和奶奶特别亲，每个周末都去看她。 She is especially close with her grandmother and visits her every weekend.
2. 两家人关系很亲，经常一起吃饭。 The two families have a close relationship and often eat together.
3. 小孩子都喜欢亲妈妈的脸。 Little children all like to kiss their mum's face.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, online

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 他们两个从小就特别亲。(The two of them have been especially close since childhood.)
• 妈妈亲了亲孩子的额头。(Mum kissed the child on the forehead.)

Don't Say

• 我和我的老板很亲。(Avoid saying you are 亲 with your boss — it implies an inappropriately intimate relationship. Use 关系好 or 熟 instead.)

Origin & History

亲 is simplified from 親. The traditional form combines 辛 (bitter/hard) + 木 (tree) + 见 (see), suggesting the idea of seeing one's family after hardship — the closeness that comes from shared experience.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal