交際

• Reading: こうさい
• Romaji: kousai
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kō) — cross, mix, associate; 際 (sai) — occasion, boundary, edge
• Pronunciation: /koː.sa.i/

Meaning

Friendship; association; dating. Social interaction or a romantic relationship between people.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (交際する). Has two main uses: general social association (人付き合い) and specifically romantic dating. 交際している often means 'going out with' someone romantically. Common compounds include 交際費 (entertainment expenses/socializing costs) and 交際相手 (partner/significant other).

Examples

1. 二人は三年間交際してから結婚した。 The two dated for three years before getting married.
2. 仕事の交際費がかなりかかっている。 Work-related socializing expenses are adding up quite a bit.
3. 幅広い人と交際することで視野が広がる。 Associating with a wide range of people broadens your perspective.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, social life, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 交 (kō, to cross/mix/associate) and 際 (sai, occasion/boundary). Together, 'associating at the boundary where lives meet' — the social space where people interact.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal