関係
kankei[kã̠ŋke̞ː]
In Japanese, the English phrase "relationship" is translated as 関係 (kankei).
関係 is the most common and neutral term for "relationship" in Japanese. It can refer to an abstract concept of a relationship, such as the relationship between supply and demand or a romantic or sexual involvement. To specify human relationships, the term 人間関係 is used, while つながり is used to emphasize the aspect of connection and bonding in a relationship.
Meaning: romantic or sexual involvement (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 関係 refers to the abstract concept of a relationship, 付き合い is often used to describe the act of dating or being in a relationship. For an informal way to describe a close relationship or getting along well with someone, the word 仲 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that a relationship exists, do not try to translate the English verb "to have" directly.
How do you pronounce it?
kankei
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use a direct translation of the verb "to have" to express having a relationship. Instead, use the phrase 関係がある.
Did you know?
- Japanese uses the term 縁 to describe a relationship based on fate or a predestined connection, which cannot be translated as a simple 'relationship'.
- The term 関係 is often used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse, particularly in news reports or police dramas when referring to a 'physical relationship'.
- The word 付き合い describes dating, but it also refers to the social obligation of spending time with people you may not actually like, such as colleagues.
Examples in context
- 健全な関係のようだね。It sounds like you guys have a healthy relationship.This sentence is useful for describing a healthy relationship using 関係.Tatoeba #12593307 by small_snow, translation #10087502 by ddnktr
- トムとメアリーはとてもいい関係だ。Tom and Mary have a very good relationship.This sentence shows how to describe a good relationship between two people using 関係.Tatoeba #11594308 by bunbuku, translation #5366318 by CK
- 需要と供給の間には密接な関係がある。There is close relationship between supply and demand.This sentence illustrates the use of 関係 in a non-human context, such as the relationship between supply and demand.Tatoeba #148311 by bunbuku, translation #266248 by CM
- 会社の人間関係がうまくいっていますか？Are your interpersonal relationships at work going well?
- 私たちは特別なつながりを持っています。We have a special connection with each other.
- この人とは長い付き合いだ。I've known this person for a long time.
- 私たちはとても仲が良い。We have a very good relationship.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are talking about a mutual friend's love life.
- 陽葵 Himari彼ら、付き合ってるのかな？Karera, tsukiatte ru no kana?I wonder if those two are dating?
- 蓮 Renたぶん、いい関係になってると思うよ。Tabun, ii kankei ni natte ru to omou yo.I think they've probably entered into a good relationship.
- 陽葵 Himariいいな。私もそんな関係が欲しい。Ii na. Watashi mo sonna kankei ga hoshii.That's nice. I want a relationship like that too.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵ならきっと見つかるよ。Hiyori nara kitto mitsukaru yo.I'm sure you'll find one, Hiyori.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 関係, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
