同事好相处吗？

Use this when a friend starts a new job or internship. It’s a great conversation starter because everyone has an opinion on their coworkers. You can drop the 吗 if you are making a statement like 他们很好相处 (They are easy to get along with). It’s simple, direct, and shows you care about their mental well-being at work. Just remember to use it as a full question to get the tea.

This is perfect for coffee dates or catching up after work. Use it when someone mentions a change in their department or a new project. It’s also a common question parents ask their children who just entered the workforce. If you see a friend looking stressed after a long day, this is a gentle way to ask if the people are the problem. It works well in any setting where work life is the topic.

Avoid asking this during a formal job interview with the boss. It might make you sound like you’re worried about office drama before you've even started. Don't use it if you are the boss asking your subordinates about each other in a group meeting. That creates a very awkward 'Who is going to snitch?' vibe. Keep it for 1-on-1 or small, trusted group settings.

In Chinese culture, the workplace is often seen as a second family. The concept of 关系 (guānxì) or relationships is everything. If your colleagues are 好相处, your life is 100% better, even if the work is hard. Traditionally, harmony in the group is valued over individual achievement. Asking this shows you understand that the social environment is just as important as the salary.

If you want to be more specific, you can ask 你的老板好相处吗？ (Is your boss easy to get along with?). If you want to use slang, you might hear people ask if the office is 卷 (juǎn), meaning hyper-competitive. You can also say 大家关系怎么样？ (How is everyone's relationship?). But for a classic, friendly check-in, the original phrase is unbeatable.