情愛關係 / 情爱关系
qíng'ài guānxi
In Chinese, the phrase for relationship (in the context of romantic or sexual involvement) is 情愛關係 / 情爱关系 (qíng'ài guānxi). If unsure, use 情愛關係 / 情爱关系. Wiktionary also lists 性關係 / 性关系 (xìngguānxi).
Meaning: romantic or sexual involvement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 情愛關係 / 情爱关系 | qíng'ài guānxi |
| 性關係 / 性关系 | xìngguānxi |
The term is used to describe romantic or sexual involvement between people. When you want to refer specifically to romantic relationships in a formal context, you may also use 恋爱关系.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 情愛關係 / 情爱关系 is composed of 情 (feeling or emotion), 愛 (love) and 關係 (relationship).
Which one should you use?
While 情愛關係 / 情爱关系 refers specifically to a romantic or emotional relationship, 性關係 / 性关系 refers specifically to a sexual relationship.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 關係 is commonly used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, whereas 关系 is widely used in Singapore and Malaysia.
How do you pronounce it?
qíng'ài guānxi
Did you know?
- In casual modern slang, young people might avoid formal terms like 情愛關係 and instead use the word 脫單 (tuo shan), which literally means 'to escape singleness'.
- While 關係 means 'relationship', in a social context it refers to a complex system of mutual obligations and networking known as 'guanxi', which is essential for business and politics in Chinese culture.
- If you describe a relationship as having 破裂 (po lie), you are saying it has 'cracked' or 'burst', which is a common way to describe a breakup in formal Chinese.
Examples in context
- 在商务谈判中，良好的人际关系可以起到至关重要的作用。In business negotiations, good interpersonal relationships can play a crucial role.
- 长久的恋爱关系需要建立在信任和互相理解的基础上。Long-lasting romantic relationships need to be built on trust and mutual understanding.
- 我们之间有很好的关系，可以互相帮助。We have a good relationship and can help each other.
- 他是我最亲近的知己，我可以向他倾诉。He is my closest confidant, and I can confide in him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “relationship” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
