Translation and Meaning of: 関係 - kankei

The Japanese word 関係 [かんけい] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning ranges from personal relationships to abstract connections, being frequently used in everyday life and in formal contexts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origins, how it is written in kanji, and practical examples of use. Additionally, you will discover tips for memorizing it and curiosities that make your learning more interesting.

Meaning and use of 関係 [かんけい]

関係 [かんけい] can be translated as "relationship," "connection," or "bond." It is a versatile word, applicable to both human ties and associations between concepts or objects. For example, it appears in sentences like "私たちの関係は深い" (our relationship is deep) or "この問題は経済と関係がある" (this problem is related to the economy).

In Japan, the notion of 関係 goes beyond its literal meaning, reflecting cultural values such as harmony and interdependence. Companies, families, and even public policies often emphasize the importance of maintaining good 関係, whether in work or personal life. Japanese language learners soon realize that this term is essential for expressing complex ideas simply.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 関 (かん) means "barrier" or "connection," while 係 (けい) represents "responsibility" or "link." Together, they form an idea of a bond that can be both physical and abstract. The combination is not random: since the Heian period (794-1185), these characters were used in official documents to describe diplomatic or hierarchical relationships.

It is worth noting that 係 alone also appears in words like 係員 (person in charge), but it is in 関係 that its meaning of "link" becomes more evident. A tip for memorizing the writing is to associate the radical 糸 (thread) present in 係 with the idea of something that unites, like an invisible thread connecting people or situations.

How 関係 appears in Japanese culture

In animes and dramas, it is common to see characters discussing whether their 関係 will improve or break. A classic scene is the question "私たちの関係はどうなる？" (what will happen to our relationship?). This type of dialogue reflects how central the theme is even in fictional narratives. Even companies use the term in slogans like "お客様との関係を大切に" (we value our relationship with customers).

Interestingly, research from the National Institute of the Japanese Language shows that 関係 is among the 500 most used words in newspapers and magazines. Its frequency is comparable to like 時間 (time) or 社会 (society), demonstrating its utility in multiple contexts. For those who want to sound natural in everyday Japanese, mastering this vocabulary is as important as learning basic greetings.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 関連 (kanren) - Relation, connection between things;
• つながり (tsunagari) - Connection, personal or emotional link;
• かかわり (kakawari) - Involvement, affective or social relationship;
• 係わり (kawari) - Relative to a connection, similar to かかわり;
• 絡み (karami) - Interweaving of relationships, complexity in connection;
• 連携 (renkei) - Collaboration, cooperation between parties;
• 相関 (soukan) - Interrelation, mutual relationship between things;
• 連関 (renkan) - t relationship, interconnection;
• 連帯 (rentai) - Solidarity, a bond in a common effort;
• 連係 (renkei) - Coordination between parts, planned interaction;
• 交際 (kousai) - Social relationships, friendship;
• 交流 (kouryuu) - Interaction, cultural or social exchange;
• 付き合い (tsukiai) - Intimate relationship, companionship;
• 友好 (yuukou) - Friendship, good relationships;
• 友情 (yuujou) - Bonds of friendship, affection;
• 友人関係 (yuujin kankei) - Friendship relationship between friends;
• 人間関係 (ningen kankei) - Human relationships, social interactions;
• 仲間関係 (nakama kankei) - Relationship between colleagues or friends;
• 人脈 (jinmyaku) - Network of s, social connections;
• 縁故関係 (enko kankei) - Family relationships or personal ties;
• 家族関係 (kazoku kankei) - Relationship between family ;
• 親戚関係 (shinseki kankei) - Relationships between relatives;
• 上下関係 (jouge kankei) - Hierarchy, relationships of superiority and inferiority;
• 同僚関係 (douryou kankei) - Relationships among coworkers;
• 上司部下関係 (joushi buka kankei) - Relationship between supervisor and subordinate;
• 顧客関係 (kokyakukankei) - Customer relationship;
• 顧客維持関係 (kokyaku iji kankei) - Relations focused on customer retention;
• 顧客拡大関係 (kokyaku kakudai kankei) - Relationships focused on expanding the customer base;
• 事業者顧客関係 (jigyousha kokyaku kankei) - Relationship between companies and their customers;
• 政治的関係 (seijiteki kankei) - Political relations, interactions between political entities;