亲热

• Pinyin: qīn rè
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = 立 + 木 + 见 (intimate); 热 = 执 + 灬 (warm/heat)

Meaning

Affectionate; warm and intimate. As a verb: to be physically or verbally affectionate toward someone.

Describes warm, intimate behaviour between people who are close — often family members or couples. Can refer to verbal expressions or physical gestures of closeness. In formal settings it may be viewed as overly demonstrative.

Examples

1. 小狗见到主人，便亲热地扑上去舔个不停。 When the puppy saw its owner, it affectionately jumped up and licked nonstop.
2. 久别重逢的母子俩紧紧相拥，说了许多亲热的话。 The mother and son, reunited after a long separation, held each other tightly and exchanged many affectionate words.
3. 两人相识多年，见面时总是亲热地相互问候寒暄。 They’ve known each other for years, and whenever they meet, they always greet each other warmly.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, family, social

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 两人多年未见，重逢时格外亲热，聊了整整一个晚上。(The two hadn't seen each other for years and were especially warm and affectionate at their reunion, talking the whole night.)
• 她对初次见面的客人也十分亲热，让对方感到受欢迎。(She was warm and friendly even toward guests she was meeting for the first time, making them feel welcome.)

Don't Say

• 在正式商务场合亲热地拍对方肩膀 — use 友好地握手 in professional settings; 亲热 gestures are inappropriate in formal business contexts

Origin & History

亲 (close/intimate) + 热 (warm/enthusiastic) — warm intimacy between close people

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal