相处

• Pinyin: xiāng chǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 相 = 木 (tree) + 目 (eye) — mutual, together; 处 = 夂 (go slowly) + 几 (table) — to be in a place/deal with

Meaning

To get along (with each other); to coexist; to interact. Describes the quality of interpersonal relationships over time.

Describes the ongoing process of living or working alongside others. The quality of 相处 can be described: 相处得好 (get along well), 相处不好 (don't get along). Commonly used in contexts of family, friendships, roommates, and colleagues. Always implies mutual, ongoing interaction.

Examples

1. 他们两个性格不同，但相处得很好。 The two of them have different personalities but get along very well.
2. 室友之间要互相理解，才能相处愉快。 Roommates need to understand each other in order to live together happily.
3. 在公司里，与同事友好相处非常重要。 It is very important to get along well with colleagues in the workplace.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, everyday, work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你们两个人相处得怎么样？(How do you two get along?)
• 学会与不同性格的人相处是一种重要的能力。(Learning to get along with people of different personalities is an important skill.)

Don't Say

• 把相处用于描述与事物的单次互动。(Don't use 相处 for a single brief interaction with a thing or a person — 相处 implies an ongoing, mutual living or working relationship.)

Origin & History

Compound of 相 (mutual/together) and 处 (to be in a place/to deal with), meaning 'to mutually occupy the same space and interact.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal