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March 24, 2026
关系(關係)guānxì(guan1xi4)
The term 关系 (guān xì) refers to the concept of relationships or connections, whether personal or professional. It is commonly used to discuss how various elements affect one another, and is particularly significant in social contexts where networking is key, such as in business or personal interactions.
Frequency#335DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 关系 is crucial for social interactions, as many business deals and personal favors rely on these connections. The concept of guanxi highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships over time.
Memory Tip
Imagine a web of connections where each thread represents a relationship. The character 关 (guan) looks like a door (门) that opens up to these connections, while 系 (xi) indicates tying or linking, emphasizing how relationships bind people together.
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AI Study Notes for 关系
Quick Contrast
关系 (guānxì) vs 联系 (liánxì) — use 关系 for interpersonal or social connections, and 联系 for more general or formal connections.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a web of connections where each thread represents a relationship. The character 关 (guan) looks like a door (门) that opens up to these connections, while 系 (xi) indicates tying or linking, emphasizing how relationships bind people together.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 关系 with similar words like 关联 (guān lián), which has a more formal tone. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you pronounce it with the correct tones: guān (first tone) and xì (fourth tone) to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 关系 connects to other vocabulary about family (家庭, jiā tíng) and friendship (友谊, yǒu yì). Focus on using it in sentences to describe how people or things are related to each other.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 关系 is crucial for social interactions, as many business deals and personal favors rely on these connections. The concept of guanxi highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships over time.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 关系 (guān xì) with 关系到 (guān xì dào), which means 'to concern' or 'to relate to' something. For example, saying '这件事是我的关系' (zhè jiàn shì shì wǒ de guān xì) instead of '这件事与我有关' (zhè jiàn shì yǔ wǒ yǒu guān) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 关系
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Grammar Patterns of 关系
关系 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
There have been growing signs of a ra-pprochement with Vietnam.
5
对不起，但是这跟你没关系。
duì bù qǐ， ， dàn shì zhè gēn nǐ méi guān。
I'm sorry, but it's nothing to do with you.
6
他们互相关心，关系牢固，这才熬过了艰难岁月。
tā mén hù xiāng guān xīn， ， guān xì láo， gù ， zhè cái āo guò le jiān nán。
The warmth and strength of their relationship carried them through difficult times.
7
用友好随意的方式跟他谈谈这一关系吧。
yòng yǒu hǎo suí yì de fāng shì gēn tā tán tán zhè yī guān xì bā。
Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship.
8
他与德国的新关系受新的互不侵犯条约的保护。
tā yǔ dé guó de xīn guān xì shòu xīn de hù bù qīn fàn tiáo yuē de bǎo hù。
His new relationship with Germany is enshrined in a new non-aggression treaty.
9
他此次访问旨在增进两国间的关系。
tā cǐ cì fǎng wèn zhǐ zài zēng jìn liǎng guó jiān de guān xì。
His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries.
10
我开始觉得托比在挑拨我们之间的关系。
wǒ kāi shǐ jué dé tuō bǐ zài tiāo bō wǒ mén zhī jiān de guān xì。
I started to feel Toby was driving a wedge between us.
Cultural Notes for 关系
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 关系 is crucial for social interactions, as many business deals and personal favors rely on these connections. The concept of guanxi highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about 关系
You can say '我们的关系很好' (Wǒmen de guān xì hěn hǎo), which means 'Our relationship is very good.'
Yes, 关系 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing business or social interactions.
关系 refers to personal relationships, while 关联 emphasizes more of a logical or causal connection between things.
