亲密

• Pinyin: qīn mì
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = 立 (stand) + 木 (tree) — closeness; 密 = 宀 (roof) + 必 (certainly) + 山 (mountain) — tightly enclosed, dense

Meaning

Close; intimate. Describes a deep, warm relationship between people.

Used to describe relationships that are emotionally close, such as 亲密的朋友 (close friends), 亲密关系 (intimate relationship), 亲密无间 (inseparable). It emphasises emotional warmth and trust rather than physical proximity. Common in both spoken and written contexts when discussing bonds between people.

Examples

1. 他们是多年的亲密朋友，什么话都可以说。 They have been close friends for many years and can talk about anything.
2. 良好的沟通是保持亲密关系的重要因素。 Good communication is an important factor in maintaining an intimate relationship.
3. 两个孩子从小一起长大，关系特别亲密。 The two children grew up together and have a particularly close bond.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, psychology, everyday

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 我们的关系越来越亲密了。(Our relationship has become closer and closer.)
• 她和姐姐一直非常亲密。(She and her older sister have always been very close.)

Don't Say

• 我跟这本书很亲密 (Don't use 亲密 for objects — it only describes human relationships; say 我很喜欢这本书 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 亲 (close, intimate) and 密 (tight, dense), together meaning 'closely and tightly bonded' — an intimate relationship.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal