密切

• Pinyin: mì qiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 密 = 宀 (roof) + 必 (must) + 山 (mountain) — close, tight; 切 = 七 (seven, phonetic) + 刀 (knife) — to cut, pressing

Meaning

Close; intimate; closely linked. Describes a tight, important relationship or connection; also to pay close attention to.

As an adjective, it describes close relationships, connections, or attention (密切关系 close relationship, 密切关注 close attention). As a verb, it means to strengthen or make closer (密切联系 to maintain close contact). More formal than 亲密 and used especially in diplomatic, business, and academic contexts.

Examples

1. 这两个国家之间有着密切的经济合作。 These two countries have close economic cooperation.
2. 我们要密切关注天气变化。 We need to pay close attention to weather changes.
3. 他和同事们的关系非常密切。 His relationship with his colleagues is very close.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, diplomacy, observation

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 两国的文化交流越来越密切。(Cultural exchanges between the two countries are becoming increasingly close.)
• 医生要求密切观察病人的情况。(The doctor required close observation of the patient's condition.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友密切地玩 — 密切 is not used for casual activities; it describes formal or important connections, not hanging out with friends

Origin & History

密 means 'close' or 'tight' and 切 means 'to cut' or 'pressing.' Together they describe something so closely connected it cannot be easily separated.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal