関係
kankeiA connection or association between people, groups, or things.
家族の関係を大切にする。
Cherish family relationships.
仕事の関係で知り合いました。
I met him through work.
Can refer to personal, professional, or abstract connections.
Influence or relevance to a particular situation.
この問題は私に関係ありません。
This issue has nothing to do with me.
Often used in negative constructions to indicate lack of involvement.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Mistakes with 関係
Avoid using 関係 to mean 'family member' (use 家族 instead). Also, 関係ない is often misused to mean 'I don't care'—it actually means 'it has nothing to do with me.'
⚡Gold Rule
When to Use 関係
Use 関係 for any kind of connection or relevance, whether personal, professional, or abstract. It is not limited to romantic relationships.
📖Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 關係 (kwæn kɨjH, 'to close + to tie'). The compound entered Japanese as a Confucian term meaning 'to govern' or 'to be connected', later evolving to its current general sense.
📝Usage Notes
関係 is a broad term that can describe any kind of connection, from personal relationships to abstract relevance. It is often paired with の to modify nouns (e.g., 関係のない話 'a matter unrelated to the topic').