关系

• 拼音: guān xì
• 汉字拆解: 关 = simplified from 關, meaning to close or relate; 系 = from a pictograph of silk threads, meaning to tie or connect

含义

Relationship; connection. The fundamental term for interpersonal bonds, associations, or relevance between things.

As a noun, 关系 covers relationships between people, organizations, or concepts. It also means relevance or importance in phrases like 没关系 (it doesn't matter). In Chinese culture, 关系 carries extra weight as a concept of social networking and personal connections that facilitate getting things done.

例句

1. 他们两个人的关系非常好。
2. 这件事和我没有关系。
3. 保持好的同事关系对工作很重要。

用法指南

语境: social, work, everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 我和他的关系像兄弟一样。(My relationship with him is like brothers.)
• 没关系，不用担心。(It doesn't matter. Don't worry.)

错误说法

• 我有很多关系在公司里。(Don't directly boast about having 关系 — it sounds like bragging about back-door influence. Say 我在公司认识很多人 instead)

起源与历史

Compound of 关 (to close, to relate) and 系 (to tie, system). Together they describe the bonds or connections tying things together.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal