亲切

• Pinyin: qīn qiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = simplified from 親, meaning close; 切 = 七 (seven, phonetic) + 刀 (knife), original meaning to cut close, extended to mean earnest

Meaning

Warm; cordial; kindly. Describes a friendly and approachable manner that makes people feel comfortable.

Used to describe people, attitudes, smiles, and atmospheres that feel welcoming and sincere. A very positive description often used in formal praise (亲切的微笑 = warm smile, 亲切感 = sense of warmth). Common in news reports about leaders meeting citizens, and in everyday compliments about someone's personality.

Examples

1. 这位老师说话特别亲切，大家都很喜欢她。 This teacher speaks in such a warm way — everyone really likes her.
2. 他微笑着向我们打招呼，非常亲切。 He greeted us with a smile, very cordially.
3. 回到家乡，一切都让人感到那么亲切。 Coming back to my hometown, everything feels so warm and familiar.

Usage Guide

Context: compliments, descriptions, news

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 她的笑容非常亲切。(Her smile is very warm and friendly.)
• 校长亲切地和每一位学生握手。(The principal warmly shook hands with every student.)

Don't Say

• 这个价格很亲切。(Don't use 亲切 for prices — it applies to people and atmospheres, not objects. For a good price, say 实惠 or 合理.)

Origin & History

亲 means close or dear; 切 means pressing or earnest. Together they describe warmth that comes close to the heart — a sincerely intimate feeling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal