close relationship
علاقة وثيقة
Use it to describe a bond built on trust, whether with a best friend or a loyal colleague.
En 15 secondes
- Describes a strong emotional bond between two people or groups.
- Used for friends, family, or even business partners who trust each other.
- Implies frequent contact, deep trust, and mutual support.
Signification
This phrase describes a deep connection between two people or groups. It means you trust each other, share secrets, and spend a lot of time together.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a sibling
I have a very close relationship with my sister; we talk every day.
I have a very close relationship with my sister; we talk every day.
In a job interview
I maintained a close relationship with my previous clients to ensure their satisfaction.
I maintained a close relationship with my previous clients to ensure their satisfaction.
Texting a friend about a mutual acquaintance
Are you and Mark still having a close relationship, or have you drifted apart?
Are you and Mark still having a close relationship, or have you drifted apart?
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Western emphasis on emotional intimacy and 'chosen family.' While traditional structures are important, the ability to form a 'close relationship' with mentors or peers is seen as a key to success and mental well-being.
Shorten it for friends
In casual speech, you don't need the word 'relationship'. Just say 'I'm very close with my brother.' It sounds more natural!
Don't say 'Near Relationship'
Even though 'near' and 'close' are synonyms, we never say 'near relationship'. It sounds like the relationship almost happened but didn't!
En 15 secondes
- Describes a strong emotional bond between two people or groups.
- Used for friends, family, or even business partners who trust each other.
- Implies frequent contact, deep trust, and mutual support.
What It Means
Close relationship is all about proximity and trust. It isn't just about knowing someone. It means you are emotionally connected. You might have this with a best friend. You might have it with a sibling. It implies a bond that is hard to break. Think of it as being 'in sync' with someone else.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe the quality of a bond. You can say you 'have' a close relationship. You can also say you 'maintain' one. It works for people, but also for organizations. For example, two companies might work together often. We say they have a close relationship. It is a very flexible phrase. It sounds warm but also quite clear.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound sincere. It is perfect for introductions. 'This is Sarah, we have a close relationship.' Use it in job interviews to show teamwork. Use it when talking about your family. It fits perfectly in a heartfelt birthday card. It also works in news reports about allied countries.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for someone you just met. That would be a bit creepy! If you just had one coffee, you aren't 'close' yet. Avoid it if the relationship is strictly professional and cold. If you only talk about spreadsheets, it is just a 'working relationship'. Also, don't confuse it with 'romantic relationship'. While a couple is close, this phrase doesn't always mean love. It can just mean great friends.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we value 'personal space'. However, we also prize 'transparency' in friendships. Having a close relationship means you have invited someone into your inner circle. It is a sign of high social status in a way. It shows you are trustworthy. In the US and UK, people often brag about being 'close' to their parents or siblings. It suggests a healthy, happy life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are close-knit. This usually describes a whole family or a small town. You might also hear thick as thieves. That is a funny way to say two people are inseparable. If you want to be more casual, just say 'We're really close.' The word relationship makes it sound a bit more grounded and official.
Notes d'usage
This is a 'safe' phrase that works in 95% of situations. It is neutral enough for a report but warm enough for a letter to a friend.
Shorten it for friends
In casual speech, you don't need the word 'relationship'. Just say 'I'm very close with my brother.' It sounds more natural!
Don't say 'Near Relationship'
Even though 'near' and 'close' are synonyms, we never say 'near relationship'. It sounds like the relationship almost happened but didn't!
The 'Bestie' Factor
In the US, saying you have a 'close relationship' with a boss is a huge compliment to their management style, showing they are approachable.
Exemples
6I have a very close relationship with my sister; we talk every day.
I have a very close relationship with my sister; we talk every day.
Shows high frequency of contact and emotional support.
I maintained a close relationship with my previous clients to ensure their satisfaction.
I maintained a close relationship with my previous clients to ensure their satisfaction.
Demonstrates professional reliability and networking skills.
Are you and Mark still having a close relationship, or have you drifted apart?
Are you and Mark still having a close relationship, or have you drifted apart?
Used to check on the status of a friendship.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner do NOT have a close relationship.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner do NOT have a close relationship.
Using the phrase sarcastically for humor.
The two nations have enjoyed a close relationship for decades.
The two nations have enjoyed a close relationship for decades.
Formal use in a political or historical context.
Professor Smith and I developed a close relationship during my thesis.
Professor Smith and I developed a close relationship during my thesis.
Shows respect and a strong academic bond.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the phrase describing a strong bond.
Even after moving away, they kept a ___ relationship through video calls.
While 'near' means physically close, 'close relationship' is the standard collocation for emotional bonds.
Identify the correct verb to use with the phrase.
It takes time and effort to ___ a close relationship with someone.
We 'build' or 'develop' relationships in English; we don't 'do' or 'make' them.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Close Relationship'
Used with friends, though 'We're close' is more common.
We have a close relationship.
Standard way to describe family or long-term friends.
They have a close relationship.
Used in business or diplomacy to show partnership.
The firms maintain a close relationship.
Where to use 'Close Relationship'
Family Dinners
Talking about your favorite cousin.
Business Meetings
Describing a loyal partnership.
Therapy/Advice
Discussing personal connections.
Politics
Allied countries working together.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it usually refers to friends or family. If you mean romantic, you usually specify romantic relationship or say we are dating.
Yes! It is very common to say two companies have a close relationship if they collaborate often.
We almost always use with. For example: 'I have a close relationship with my mentor.'
You could say a distant relationship or a strained relationship if things are not going well.
In this phrase, it is an 's' sound (like 'dose'). The 'z' sound is for the verb 'to close' a door.
Yes, adding very or extremely is a great way to emphasize how strong the bond is.
It's a bit long for a quick text. Most people would just text 'We're super close' instead.
Use it to describe teamwork. Example: 'I developed a close relationship with the marketing team to hit our goals.'
Absolutely. You can say 'My dog has a close relationship with the neighbor's cat.'
Intimate is much stronger and often implies romance or very private secrets. Close is safer for general use.
Expressions liées
on good terms
To have a polite and friendly relationship without conflict.
thick as thieves
An informal way to say two people are very close and share secrets.
see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely.
inner circle
The group of people with whom you have the closest relationships.
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