社交

• Pinyin: shè jiāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 社 = 礻+ 土 (community); 交 = 亠 + 父 (intersect, exchange)

Meaning

Social interaction; socialising; the act of engaging with others in a social context.

Used broadly to describe any form of social engagement, from in-person networking to online social media. Frequently appears in compound terms: 社交媒体 (social media), 社交网络 (social network), 社交恐惧症 (social anxiety disorder).

Examples

1. 她的社交能力很强，很快就融入了新的工作环境。 She has strong social skills and quickly fit into the new work environment.
2. 过度依赖社交媒体会影响现实生活中的人际关系。 Relying too much on social media can harm relationships in real life.
3. 参加社团活动是锻炼社交能力的有效方式。 Taking part in club activities is an effective way to build social skills.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, technology, psychology, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他社交恐惧症严重，很难在公众场合自然地与人交流。(He has severe social anxiety and finds it difficult to interact naturally with others in public.)
• 企业越来越重视利用社交平台开展品牌推广。(Companies are placing increasing importance on using social platforms for brand promotion.)

Don't Say

• 社交 in place of 社会 (society) — 社交 refers specifically to social interaction, not society as a whole

Origin & History

社 (community, association) + 交 (to interact, exchange)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal