관계
gwan'gye[kwa̠nɡje̞]
The Korean word for relationship is 관계 (gwan'gye).
관계 is a versatile noun used to describe various types of connections, such as social, professional or romantic ones. While it can be used for romantic contexts, it often carries a more clinical or formal tone than the English word "relationship."
Meaning: romantic or sexual involvement (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 관계 is a formal term, you might use 사이 in informal situations to refer to a relationship of any type. For a broader, more formal description of "human relationships" in a general sense, the term 인간관계 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 관계 can function as either the subject or the object of a sentence. When it is the subject, it is often followed by the particle 가 and when it is the object, it is often followed by the particle 를.
How do you pronounce it?
gwan'gye
Did you know?
- In romantic contexts, 관계 can be used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Using it in a sentence like 'having a relationship' without a modifier can sometimes imply physical intimacy rather than emotional dating.
- The character 關 in 관계 originally depicted a gate or a barrier. This suggests that a 'relationship' is conceptually like a gateway that connects two separate entities.
- When talking about relationships, Koreans often use 'we' 우리 even when referring to a personal relationship. This emphasizes the collective bond over individual ownership.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰에게 나와 메리의 관계에 대해 상관하지 말라고 말했다.I told Tom that my relationship with Mary was none of his business.This sentence shows how to use 관계 when discussing a specific relationship.Tatoeba #13118434 by romzzo, translation #8462573 by Ergulis
- 저는 연애 중입니다I am in a relationship.
- 좋은 인간관계를 형성하는 것은 중요합니다Forming good human relationships is important.
- 동거 중living together
- 우리 사귀자Let's date.
- 우리 사이가 좋아요We have a good relationship.
- 우리는 진지한 관계를 원해요.urineun jinjihan gwangyereul wonhaeyo.We want a serious relationship.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyeon-woo are talking about their mutual friends.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지수와 민수 관계가 어떻게 돼?jisuwa minsu gwangyega eotteoke dwae?What is the relationship between Jisu and Minsu?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo두 사람이 이제 막 사귀기 시작했어.du sarami ije mak sagwigi sijakhaesseo.The two of them just started dating.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 좋은 관계를 유지하면 좋겠다.jeongmal? joeun gwangyereul yujihamyeon joketda.Really? I hope they maintain a good relationship.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 나도 그렇게 생각해.eung, nado geureoke saenggakhae.Yeah, I think so too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 관계, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 관계, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
