B1 noun Neutral

関係

/kaŋkeː/

The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected; a correlation or association.

Examples

3 of 5
1

彼とはもう10年の関係だ。

I've had a relationship with him for 10 years now.

2

本研究は、経済発展と環境汚染の関係を調査した。

This study investigated the relationship between economic development and environmental pollution.

3

取引先との良好な関係を築く。

Build a good relationship with business partners.

Word Family

Noun
関係
Verb
関係する
Adjective
関係的
💡

Memory Tip

Kan (barrier/gate) + Kei (tie/connect). Connecting across gates.

Quick Quiz

この二つの出来事には、何か( )があるようだ。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 関係

Examples

1

彼とはもう10年の関係だ。

everyday

I've had a relationship with him for 10 years now.

2

本研究は、経済発展と環境汚染の関係を調査した。

academic

This study investigated the relationship between economic development and environmental pollution.

3

取引先との良好な関係を築く。

business

Build a good relationship with business partners.

4

この件に関して、ご意見をお聞かせください。

formal

Please let us know your opinion regarding this matter.

5

それ、俺には関係ないし。

informal

That has nothing to do with me.

Word Family

Noun
関係
Verb
関係する
Adjective
関係的

Common Collocations

密接な関係 close relationship/connection
因果関係 causal relationship
信頼関係 relationship of trust
〜に関係なく regardless of...
人間関係 interpersonal relationships

Common Phrases

関係を断つ

to break off a relationship

利害関係

interests / stakeholders

〜に関する

regarding...

Often Confused With

関係 vs 関連

Kankei is a general 'connection' or 'human relationship'; Kanren is more about 'relevance' or logical association between topics.

📝

Usage Notes

Very common in scientific writing to describe correlations (e.g., 'A is related to B').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Using 'Kankei' for 'relevance' in a database or file search (Kanren is better there).

💡

Memory Tip

Kan (barrier/gate) + Kei (tie/connect). Connecting across gates.

📖

Word Origin

From 'kan' (gate/connection) and 'kei' (line/system/connection).

Grammar Patterns

AとBは関係がある 〜に関して

Quick Quiz

この二つの出来事には、何か( )があるようだ。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 関係

Related Phrases

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