交际

• Pinyin: jiāo jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 交 = to interact/hand over; 际 = 阝(hill) + 示 (show) — boundary, between — together meaning connecting across social boundaries

Meaning

To socialize; social interaction. Interpersonal communication and social activities.

Refers to interpersonal communication and social activities. Often used when discussing social skills, networking, and the ability to interact with others. Common collocations include 交际能力 (social skills), 交际圈 (social circle), 交际舞 (ballroom dancing), and 社交交际 (social interaction). More formal than 社交 in some contexts.

Examples

1. 他的交际能力很强，到哪里都能交到朋友。 He has strong social skills and can make friends wherever he goes.
2. 学习一门外语可以帮助你扩大交际圈。 Learning a foreign language can help you expand your social circle.
3. 有些人不太擅长交际，但工作能力很强。 Some people are not very good at socializing, but their work ability is very strong.

Usage Guide

Context: social life, workplace, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她在交际方面很有经验。(She is very experienced in socializing.)
• 交际对事业发展很重要。(Social interaction is important for career development.)

Don't Say

• 我们昨天交际了一顿饭 (Don't use 交际 for a single meal event — use 聚餐 for dining together or 社交 for a social event)

Origin & History

A compound of 交 (to interact/associate) and 际 (boundary/occasion), together meaning social interaction across boundaries.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal