建交

• Pinyin: jiàn jiāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 建 = 廴 (long stride) + 聿 (brush) — to establish; 交 = 亠 (head) + 父 (father/cross) — to exchange, relations

Meaning

To establish diplomatic relations. The formal process of countries recognizing each other and establishing official ties.

A formal diplomatic term for when two countries officially recognize each other and establish embassies. Often appears in news about international relations. The opposite is 断交 (to sever diplomatic ties).

Examples

1. 两国于1972年正式建交，开启了双边关系的新篇章。 The two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1972, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
2. 建交五十周年之际，两国举行了隆重的庆祝活动。 On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the two countries held grand celebration activities.
3. 这是该国独立后首次与大国建交。 This was the first time the country established diplomatic relations with a major power after independence.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, news, history

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中美建交是20世纪的重大外交事件。(The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US was a major diplomatic event of the 20th century.)
• 建交以来，两国合作日益密切。(Since establishing diplomatic ties, cooperation between the two countries has grown increasingly close.)

Don't Say

• 用'建交'来描述个人关系 (Don't use 建交 for personal relationships — it's exclusively for official diplomatic relations between countries)

Origin & History

Composed of 建 (to establish) + 交 (relations; exchange). Short for 建立外交关系 (to establish diplomatic relations).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers