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B1 noun 9 min read

親交

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 親交 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 親交 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '親交' (shinkou) is quite an advanced word. Beginners usually learn '友達' (tomodachi) for 'friend' and '仲が良い' (naka ga ii) for 'being close.' However, it's helpful to recognize '親交' because the first kanji '親' is also found in '親' (oya - parent) and '親しい' (shittashii - close/intimate). Think of 'shinkou' as a very polite way to say 'being friends.' At this stage, you don't need to use it in your own speaking, but you might see it on posters for school clubs or neighborhood events. If you see it, just remember: it means people are trying to be friendly and get to know each other. It's like the 'professional' version of making friends. Imagine a school event where teachers and parents meet; they might call it a 'meeting for shinkou.' Even if the word is hard, the feeling is warm and welcoming. Focus on recognizing the '親' kanji, which looks like a person standing on a tree, looking out for someone they care about. This will help you remember that 'shinkou' is about caring and being close to others in a respectful way. Don't worry about the grammar yet; just see it as a 'big word' for friendship.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand '親交' (shinkou) in the context of specific phrases. You might have learned the verb '深める' (fukameru), which means 'to deepen.' When you see '親交を深める' (shinkou o fukameru), it simply means 'to get to know someone better.' This is a very useful phrase if you are writing a formal self-introduction or a thank-you note after a meeting. For example, if you go to a Japanese language exchange, you could say '皆さんと親交を深めたいです' (I want to deepen my friendship with everyone). This sounds much more polite and 'grown-up' than just saying 'I want to make friends.' You should also notice that 'shinkou' is often used in situations where people are doing an activity together, like eating or playing a sport, to build a bond. It is a 'noun,' so you treat it like any other object in a sentence. You can have 'shinkou' (親交がある) or you can make 'shinkou' (親交を結ぶ). At A2, try to remember it as a set phrase for networking or official social events. It's a great 'power word' to have in your vocabulary to show that you respect the person you are talking to and the relationship you are building with them.

As a B1 learner, '親交' (shinkou) should become a part of your active vocabulary for formal and semi-formal situations. You are now at the level where you can distinguish between different types of 'friendship.' While 'yuujou' (友情) is the emotional concept of friendship, 'shinkou' is the social practice of it. You will hear this word in business settings, news reports, and formal letters. It is especially common when describing long-term relationships between families, companies, or even countries. One key phrase to master at this level is '親交を温める' (shinkou o atatameru), which means to reconnect or maintain a relationship. This is perfect for when you meet a former colleague or a teacher after a long time. You are 'warming up' the old bond. Another important aspect of B1 is understanding the register. Using 'shinkou' shows that you are moving beyond basic Japanese and can handle the nuances of 'adult' social interactions. You should be able to use it with the particles 'と' (with) and 'を' (object). For example, 'A社と親交がある' (To have a close association with Company A). This level of precision helps you navigate professional environments in Japan where 'tomodachi' might sound too casual or inappropriate for a business partner.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '親交' (shinkou) in complex sentence structures and understanding its use in literature and formal speeches. You should be able to differentiate it from similar terms like '親睦' (shinboku - group harmony) and '交流' (kouryuu - exchange). 'Shinkou' carries a nuance of 'intimacy' and 'history' that 'kouryuu' lacks. For instance, you might have 'kouryuu' with a group of strangers at a seminar, but you have 'shinkou' with a mentor you have visited every year for a decade. At B2, you should also be aware of the more literary or high-level collocations, such as '厚い親交' (atsui shinkou - deep/thick friendship) or '長年の親交' (naganen no shinkou - many years of friendship). You might encounter these in biographies of famous Japanese authors or in historical dramas. Understanding 'shinkou' at this level also means recognizing it in the passive or causative forms in very formal writing, such as '親交が結ばれた' (A friendship was formed). You should also be able to use 'shinkou' to describe the relationship between organizations, such as '姉妹都市としての親交' (Friendship as sister cities). This word is a hallmark of the 'Upper Intermediate' speaker who can discuss social structures and historical ties with sophistication and accuracy.

For C1 learners, '親交' (shinkou) is a word whose nuances are fully integrated into your understanding of Japanese social and professional life. You recognize that 'shinkou' is not just a noun but a representation of 'social capital' and 'interpersonal ethics' in Japan. At this level, you can use the word to discuss the intricacies of diplomatic relations or the subtle social maneuvering in high-level business. You might analyze how 'shinkou' is maintained through seasonal gifts (ochuugen/oseibo) or formal invitations. You are also capable of distinguishing 'shinkou' from the more physically intimate or private '親密' (shinmitsu). While 'shinmitsu' might describe a secret or romantic closeness, 'shinkou' is an 'open' closeness—it is a relationship recognized by society. In writing, you can use 'shinkou' to add a layer of gravitas to your prose. For example, in an essay about community building, you might argue that 'shinkou' is the bedrock of local security. You also understand the historical weight of the word, perhaps recognizing its use in Meiji-era literature where the 'exchange of hearts' (kokoro no kouryuu) was often described through the lens of 'shinkou.' Your usage is flawless, and you can even use it ironically or metaphorically in advanced conversation to describe an unexpectedly close bond between rivals.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '親交' (shinkou) is near-native. You understand not only the word but the entire socio-cultural framework it exists within. You can use 'shinkou' in highly formal orations, academic papers, and complex legal or diplomatic documents. You are aware of its synonyms in classical Japanese (bungo) and how the concept of 'shinkou' has evolved from the Edo period to the present day. You can discuss the nuances between 'shinkou' and '交誼' (kougi - friendship/favor), another highly formal term often used in written greetings. At this level, you can pick up on the subtle implications when a politician uses 'shinkou' instead of 'kyoryoku' (cooperation)—the former implies a personal, trusted bond that goes beyond mere policy. You can also appreciate the word's use in high-level literature, where 'shinkou' might be used to describe a soul-deep connection between two intellectuals that transcends time and space. Your ability to deploy this word, with all its historical and social baggage, allows you to communicate at the highest levels of Japanese society. You don't just 'know' the word; you 'feel' the weight of the 'parent' (親) and the 'junction' (交) in every context, allowing you to navigate the most delicate social situations with the grace of a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

親交 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning friendship or close social association, often used in professional or diplomatic contexts.
Commonly pairs with verbs like 'deepen' (fukameru), 'tie' (musubu), and 'warm' (atatameru).
Focuses on the active process of maintaining a relationship rather than just the person involved.
Distinct from casual 'tomodachi' (friend) or abstract 'yuujou' (friendship), carrying a more refined and respectful tone.

The Japanese word 親交 (しんこう - shinkou) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to friendship, intimacy, or close association. While the English word 'friendship' is broad, shinkou specifically emphasizes the active, ongoing process of maintaining and deepening a relationship. It is composed of two powerful kanji: 親 (parent/intimacy/closeness) and 交 (exchange/intercourse/association). Together, they evoke the image of a relationship that is not just static but characterized by a mutual exchange of goodwill and frequent interaction. You will encounter this word most frequently in professional contexts, diplomatic reports, formal social gatherings, and literature where the quality of a bond is being described with a certain level of respect and gravity.

Nuance: Unlike 'tomodachi' (friend), which refers to the person, 'shinkou' refers to the state or quality of the relationship itself. It suggests a bond that has been nurtured over time.

両国の間には長年にわたる厚い親交がある。
(There has been a deep and long-standing friendship between the two countries.)

In a social setting, such as a business mixer or a neighborhood association meeting, you might hear the phrase 親交を深める (shinkou o fukameru), which means 'to deepen one's friendship.' This is the standard way to express the intention of getting to know someone better or strengthening an existing professional tie. It is less about 'hanging out' and more about 'building a bridge' between two entities or individuals. The word carries a weight of sincerity; it implies that the relationship is valued and treated with care.

Etymology: The kanji 親 originally depicts a person standing on a tree looking far off, waiting for a child—symbolizing the deep, inherent care of a parent. The kanji 交 represents crossed legs or a junction, symbolizing the act of coming together.

彼は多くの文豪と親交があった。
(He had close associations with many great literary figures.)

Historically, shinkou was used to describe the relationships between scholars, artists, or samurai families. It implies a level of mutual respect and shared interests. In modern Japanese, while it has become more accessible, it still retains that 'refined' flavor. It is the perfect word to use when describing a relationship that is more than just an acquaintance but perhaps more formal than 'best friends forever.' It captures the sweet spot of respectful intimacy.

私たちは家族ぐるみの親交を結んでいる。
(Our families maintain a close friendship with each other.)

Register: Formal to Semi-Formal. It is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word), which naturally gives it a more academic or official tone compared to 'wago' (native Japanese words).

趣味を通じて新しい親交が生まれた。
(A new friendship was born through a shared hobby.)

In summary, 親交 is the bridge of mutual respect and frequent interaction that connects people, whether they are neighbors, business partners, or nations. It is the active verb of 'being close' turned into a noble noun.

Mastering the use of 親交 (shinkou) requires understanding the specific verbs that commonly pair with it. Unlike 'friendship' in English, which you 'have' or 'build,' shinkou is often 'deepened' (深める), 'tied' (結ぶ), or 'warmed' (温める). These collocations are essential for sounding natural in Japanese. Let's explore the most common sentence patterns and the contexts in which they appear.

Pattern 1: 親交を深める (Deepen friendship): This is the most common usage. It describes the act of getting to know someone better through activities or conversation.

キャンプは、同僚との親交を深める絶好の機会だ。
(Camping is a great opportunity to deepen friendships with colleagues.)

Another elegant phrase is 親交を結ぶ (shinkou o musubu), which means 'to form a friendship' or 'to enter into a close association.' This is often used when a relationship is officially established or when two notable people start a long-term bond. The verb 'musubu' (to tie) implies a strong, intentional connection, similar to tying a knot.

彼は留学中に、現地の学生たちと厚い親交を結んだ。
(During his study abroad, he formed deep friendships with local students.)

A more poetic and specific usage is 親交を温める (shinkou o atatameru), which literally means 'to warm the friendship.' This is used when you reconnect with an old friend or maintain a relationship that might have gone 'cold' due to lack of contact. It suggests a nostalgic and caring effort to keep the bond alive.

旧友と久しぶりに会って、旧来の親交を温めた。
(I met my old friend for the first time in a while and renewed our old friendship.)

Pattern 2: ～と親交がある (To have a friendship with...): Use this to state the existence of a relationship. It is more formal than saying 'tomodachi desu.'

社長は政界の有力者と幅広い親交がある。
(The president has a wide range of friendships with influential people in politics.)

By using these specific verb pairings, you elevate your Japanese from basic communication to a more nuanced and respectful level of expression.

Understanding the environment where 親交 (shinkou) is used is key to using it correctly. You won't typically hear teenagers shouting it on the street; instead, it populates the worlds of diplomacy, business, high-end social circles, and formal media. It is a word that signals 'adult' and 'respectable' relationships.

In the News & Media: Whenever a foreign dignitary visits Japan or two nations sign a treaty, the news reports will mention 'shinkou.' It is the standard term for international friendly relations.

両国首脳は、さらなる親交を深めることで一致した。
(The leaders of both countries agreed to further deepen their friendship.)

In the business world, shinkou is used during 'aisatsu' (formal greetings) or at networking events. If you are at a 'shinnenkai' (New Year's party) or a 'bonenkai' (Year-end party), the opening speech might include a line about deepening the shinkou among the attendees. It frames the drinking and eating not just as fun, but as a constructive social endeavor.

You will also find this word in biographies and historical documentaries. When describing the lives of famous figures—like the friendship between Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki—historians use shinkou to describe their intellectual and personal bond. It lends a sense of dignity to their relationship.

二人の芸術家は、生涯にわたって親密な親交を続けた。
(The two artists maintained an intimate friendship throughout their lives.)

Community & Neighborhoods: Local neighborhood associations (Chonaikai) often use this word in their newsletters to encourage residents to get to know each other through community festivals or clean-up events.

地域の皆様との親交を大切にしています。
(We value our close association with the local community members.)

Whenever you hear 'shinkou,' think 'meaningful connection.' It is the word for relationships that matter on a social, professional, or historical scale.

While 親交 (shinkou) is a versatile word, learners often trip up by using it in overly casual contexts or confusing it with similar-sounding words. Precision is key in Japanese social registers. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using it for casual friendships: If you tell your best friend, 'Let's have a shinkou today,' it will sound incredibly stiff and strange. For casual hangouts, use 'asobu' (play/hang out) or 'nakayoku suru' (get along).

❌ 友達と親交して遊んだ。
✅ 友達と遊んで仲を深めた。
(Correction: Avoid using 'shinkou' as a simple verb for 'hanging out'.)

Another frequent error is confusing shinkou with 信仰 (shinkou). While they sound identical (both are 'shinkou'), the latter means 'religious faith' or 'belief.' Context usually clears this up, but be careful when typing; choosing the wrong kanji in an email could turn a 'friendship event' into a 'religious gathering'!

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Shinboku' (親睦): 'Shinboku' is very similar but focuses specifically on 'harmony' and 'getting along' within a group. 'Shinkou' is more about the depth of the association itself. Use 'Shinboku' for office parties (Shinboku-kai).

社員同士の親睦を深めるための旅行。
(A trip to deepen harmony/friendship among employees.)

Finally, remember that shinkou is a noun. While you can say 'shinkou o fukameru,' you cannot simply add 'suru' to make it a verb like 'shinkou-suru' in most standard contexts. It requires a supporting verb to function properly in a sentence.

❌ 彼と親交する。
✅ 彼と親交を結ぶ。
(Correction: Use 'musubu' or 'fukameru' to describe the action.)

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between casual and formal registers—you will avoid the awkwardness of 'over-politeness' or 'register-mismatch' in your Japanese conversations.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for relationships. Depending on the level of intimacy, the context, and the number of people involved, you might choose a different word than 親交 (shinkou). Here is a breakdown of its closest relatives and how they differ.

1. 友情 (ゆうじょう - yuujou): This is the direct translation of 'friendship.' It is an abstract concept, often used in shonen manga or when talking about the 'power of friendship.' It is more emotional and less about social association than 'shinkou.'

2. 交流 (こうりゅう - kouryuu): Meaning 'exchange' or 'interaction.' This is used for cultural exchanges or networking. It is more functional and less intimate than 'shinkou.' You have 'kouryuu' with people you just met at a party.

国際交流イベントに参加した。
(I participated in an international exchange event.)

If you are looking for a word that describes group harmony, 親睦 (しんぼく - shinboku) is your best bet. It is the standard term for social gatherings intended to help a group get along better. It focuses on the 'atmosphere' of the group rather than the individual 'association' between parties.

3. 親密 (しんみつ - shinmitsu): Meaning 'intimacy' or 'closeness.' This is an adjective-noun (na-adjective) that describes how close two people are. It can sometimes have a romantic or very private connotation, whereas 'shinkou' is usually social or professional.

For very casual situations, you will likely use 仲 (なか - naka). Phrases like 'naka ga ii' (to be on good terms) or 'naka-yoshi' (close friends) are the bread and butter of daily Japanese conversation. 'Shinkou' is the suit-and-tie version of 'naka.'

彼らはずっと仲が良い。
(They have always been on good terms/good friends.)

Choosing the right word shows your listener that you understand the social dynamics of the situation. Use 'shinkou' when you want to show respect for the relationship's history and social standing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Shin' (親) in Shinkou is the same 'Shin' used in 'Shinsetsu' (Kind). It implies that being close to someone inherently involves being kind and attentive to them.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɪŋ.koʊ/

US /ʃɪn.koʊ/

The stress is relatively even, but there is a slight pitch drop after the first syllable 'shin'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but the reading 'shinkou' must be distinguished from 'shinkou' (faith).

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '親' and '交' is intermediate level. Remembering the specific stroke order for '親' is key.

Speaking 3/5

Natural usage requires knowing the specific collocations like 'fukameru' or 'musubu'.

Listening 3/5

Context is needed to distinguish from 'shinkou' (faith) or 'shinkou' (progress).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

親 (Parent) 交わる (To intersect) 友達 (Friend) 深い (Deep)

Learn Next

親睦 (Harmony) 交流 (Exchange) 懇親 (Rapport) 親密 (Intimacy) 提携 (Alliance)

Advanced

交誼 (Friendship/Favor) 昵懇 (Intimacy/Familiarity) 交遊 (Socializing)

Grammar to Know

Noun + を深める (Transitive Verb)

知識を深める、親交を深める。

Noun + がある (Existence of State)

興味がある、親交がある。

Noun + を結ぶ (Formation of Abstract Bond)

契約を結ぶ、親交を結ぶ。

Noun + ぐるみの (Inclusive Adjective)

町ぐるみの、家族ぐるみの。

Noun + を通じて (Through/Via)

インターネットを通じて親交を深める。

Examples by Level

日本と親交があります。

I have a friendship with Japan.

Uses the simple 'あります' (exists/have) pattern.

みんなで親交を深めましょう。

Let's all deepen our friendship.

Uses the 'ましょう' (let's) polite suggestion form.

新しい親交ができました。

A new friendship was made.

Uses 'できました' (was made/completed).

親交は大切です。

Friendship is important.

Simple AはBです structure.

先生と親交がありますか。

Do you have a friendship with the teacher?

Question form using 'か'.

親交を深めるために、お茶を飲みます。

In order to deepen our friendship, we drink tea.

Uses 'ために' (for the purpose of).

彼は親交を大切にする人です。

He is a person who values friendship.

Relative clause modifying '人'.

隣の人と親交を結びたいです。

I want to form a friendship with my neighbor.

Uses 'たいです' (want to).

パーティーで多くの人と親交を深めました。

I deepened my friendship with many people at the party.

Past tense '深めました'.

彼とは長い親交があります。

I have a long friendship with him.

Uses '長い' (long) to modify the noun.

趣味を通じて親交が広がりました。

My friendships expanded through my hobby.

Uses 'を通じて' (through/via).

家族ぐるみの親交を続けています。

We are continuing a family-wide friendship.

Uses '～ぐるみの' (involving the whole...).

親交を温めるために手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter to renew our friendship.

Uses '温める' (to warm/renew).

スポーツは親交を深めるのに良いです。

Sports are good for deepening friendship.

Uses 'のに' (for the purpose of/in order to).

二人の間には深い親交があります。

There is a deep friendship between the two.

Uses '間には' (between).

新しいクラスメートと親交を結びました。

I formed a friendship with my new classmate.

Uses '結びました' (tied/formed).

このイベントは、地域住民との親交を深める目的で開催されます。

This event is held with the aim of deepening friendships with local residents.

Formal passive '開催されます'.

前職の同僚とは、今でも親交を続けています。

I still maintain a friendship with my former colleagues.

Uses '今でも' (even now).

彼は有名な作家と親交があることで知られている。

He is known for having a friendship with a famous author.

Uses '～ことで知られている' (known for...).

私たちはビジネスを超えた親交を築いています。

We are building a friendship that goes beyond business.

Uses '～を超えた' (beyond).

久しぶりに再会し、旧来の親交を温めた。

We reunited after a long time and renewed our old friendship.

Uses '旧来の' (old/traditional).

両国は文化交流を通じて親交を深めてきた。

The two countries have deepened their friendship through cultural exchange.

Uses '～てきた' (have been doing until now).

親交を結ぶきっかけは、些細なことだった。

The catalyst for forming our friendship was a trivial matter.

Uses 'きっかけ' (catalyst/trigger).

この会は、会員同士の親交を図るためのものです。

This meeting is for the purpose of promoting friendship among members.

Uses '図る' (to aim for/promote).

彼とは学生時代からの厚い親交があり、何でも相談できる仲だ。

I have a deep friendship with him since student days, and we are close enough to discuss anything.

Uses '厚い' (thick/deep) and '～仲だ' (is the relationship of...).

異業種交流会は、新たな親交を広げる絶好の場である。

A cross-industry networking event is a perfect place to expand new friendships.

Uses '絶好の場' (perfect place).

二人の間には、言葉を超えた精神的な親交が感じられる。

A spiritual friendship that transcends words can be felt between the two.

Uses '感じられる' (can be felt).

長年の親交にもかかわらず、彼の私生活については何も知らない。

Despite many years of friendship, I know nothing about his private life.

Uses '～にもかかわらず' (despite).

親交を深めることが、相互理解への第一歩となるだろう。

Deepening friendship will likely be the first step towards mutual understanding.

Uses '～だろう' (will likely/probably).

彼は政財界に幅広い親交を持っており、その影響力は大きい。

He has a wide range of friendships in political and financial circles, and his influence is significant.

Uses '政財界' (political and financial circles).

かつての敵対関係を乗り越え、今では親交を結んでいる。

Overcoming their former hostile relationship, they are now in a close association.

Uses '乗り越え' (overcoming).

彼女の温かい人柄が、周囲との親交を円滑にしている。

Her warm personality makes her friendships with those around her smooth.

Uses '円滑にする' (to make smooth).

その外交官は、駐在期間中に現地の要人と多岐にわたる親交を築いた。

The diplomat built a wide range of friendships with local dignitaries during his posting.

Uses '多岐にわたる' (wide-ranging/diverse).

学問的な親交から始まった二人の関係は、やがて共同研究へと発展した。

The relationship between the two, which began with academic friendship, eventually developed into joint research.

Uses 'やがて' (eventually).

彼らの親交は、単なる知人という枠組みを遥かに超えている。

Their friendship far exceeds the framework of being mere acquaintances.

Uses '枠組み' (framework) and '遥かに' (far/by far).

親交の証として、彼は家宝の茶碗を友人に贈った。

As a token of their friendship, he gave his family heirloom tea bowl to his friend.

Uses '～の証として' (as a token/proof of).

利害関係を抜きにした、純粋な親交こそが人生の宝である。

Pure friendship, devoid of self-interest, is the true treasure of life.

Uses '～を抜きにした' (leaving out/without).

文豪たちの書簡からは、当時の緊密な親交の様子が伺える。

From the letters of the great writers, one can catch a glimpse of the close friendships of that time.

Uses '伺える' (can be seen/inferred).

彼は、親交のある人々を招いて、ささやかな晩餐会を催した。

He invited people he had friendships with and hosted a modest dinner party.

Uses '催した' (hosted/held an event).

その地域では、伝統的な祭りを通じて住民同士の親交が維持されている。

In that area, friendships among residents are maintained through traditional festivals.

Uses '維持されている' (is being maintained).

長年にわたる両家の親交は、政略的な意図を超えた真の絆へと昇華された。

The long-standing friendship between the two families was sublimated into a true bond that transcended political intentions.

Uses '昇華された' (was sublimated/refined).

彼の著作には、亡き友との親交を偲ぶ情念が色濃く反映されている。

His writings deeply reflect the emotions of remembering his friendship with his late friend.

Uses '偲ぶ' (to remember/reminisce) and '色濃く' (strongly/deeply).

形式的な外交辞令ではなく、心を通わせる親交こそが国際平和の礎となる。

Not formal diplomatic rhetoric, but friendships that connect hearts are the foundation of international peace.

Uses '礎' (foundation/cornerstone) and '外交辞令' (diplomatic pleasantries).

恩師との親交は、単なる師弟関係に留まらず、人生の指針を授けてくれるものであった。

His friendship with his mentor did not stop at a simple teacher-student relationship but provided him with a compass for life.

Uses '～に留まらず' (not limited to).

かつての同志たちが袂を分かった後も、密かに親交を保っていたことは驚きであった。

It was surprising that the former comrades had secretly maintained their friendship even after parting ways.

Uses '袂を分かつ' (to part ways/break off relations).

そのサロンは、芸術家たちが親交を深め、新たな思潮を生み出す揺籃の地であった。

That salon was a cradle where artists deepened their friendships and gave birth to new currents of thought.

Uses '揺籃の地' (cradle/place of origin).

親交を深める過程で生じる摩擦さえも、関係を強固にする糧となった。

Even the friction that arose in the process of deepening their friendship became nourishment to strengthen the relationship.

Uses '強固にする' (to make strong/firm) and '糧' (nourishment/food).

彼の洗練された社交術は、相手に警戒心を抱かせず、速やかに親交を築くことを可能にした。

His refined social skills made it possible to build friendships quickly without making the other party feel wary.

Uses '社交術' (social skills) and '抱かせず' (without making them feel).

Common Collocations

親交を深める

親交を結ぶ

親交がある

親交を温める

厚い親交

長年の親交

幅広い親交

親交を断つ

家族ぐるみの親交

親交を広げる

Common Phrases

親交を深める機会

— An opportunity to get to know each other better. Often used in invitations.

これは親交を深める絶好の機会です。

親交のある友人

— A friend with whom one has a close association. More formal than 'shittashii tomodachi'.

親交のある友人に相談した。

親交を維持する

— To maintain a friendship or association over time.

遠く離れても親交を維持したい。

親交を厚くする

— To make a friendship deeper or stronger. Formal usage.

今後とも親交を厚くしていきたい。

親交を求める

— To seek friendship or association with someone.

彼は積極的に親交を求めた。

親交が途絶える

— For a friendship or association to come to a stop or end.

いつの間にか親交が途絶えてしまった。

親交の深い間柄

— A relationship characterized by deep friendship.

二人は親交の深い間柄だ。

親交を重んじる

— To value or place importance on friendship/association.

彼は人との親交を重んじる性格だ。

親交を築く

— To build a friendship or association (from scratch).

一から親交を築くのは時間がかかる。

親交を交わす

— To exchange friendship; to interact in a friendly manner.

杯を酌み交わし、親交を交わした。

Often Confused With

親交 vs 信仰 (しんこう)

Sounds identical but means 'religious faith'. Check the kanji (信 vs 親).

親交 vs 進行 (しんこう)

Sounds identical but means 'progress' or 'advancement'. Context usually makes this clear.

親交 vs 振興 (しんこう)

Sounds identical but means 'promotion' (e.g., of industry). Used in business contexts.

Idioms & Expressions

"旧交を温める"

— To renew an old friendship. This is the idiomatic version of 'shinkou o atatameru'.

同窓会で旧交を温めた。

Formal/Literary

"肝胆相照らす"

— To be soul mates; to open one's heart completely to a friend. (Very deep shinkou).

彼とは肝胆相照らす仲だ。

Literary/Idiomatic

"竹馬の友"

— Childhood friend (often the basis for a long shinkou).

彼とは竹馬の友で、今も親交がある。

General/Idiomatic

"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a chance encounter is due to karma (emphasizes the value of all shinkou).

袖振り合うも多生の縁というから、親交を大切にしよう。

General/Proverb

"類は友を呼ぶ"

— Birds of a feather flock together (explains how shinkou is formed).

類は友を呼ぶという通り、彼らはすぐに親交を結んだ。

General/Proverb

"断金の交わり"

— A friendship so strong it could cut through metal.

二人は断金の交わりを結んでいる。

Archaic/Literary

"水魚の交わり"

— An inseparable relationship, like fish and water.

君臣の間には水魚の交わりがあった。

Literary/Historical

"管鮑の交わり"

— A deep, selfless friendship (based on a Chinese legend).

彼らの友情は管鮑の交わりと称賛された。

Literary/Historical

"忘年の交わり"

— A friendship that transcends age gaps.

祖父とその若者は忘年の交わりを結んだ。

Literary

"莫逆の友"

— A friend so close that there is no disagreement; a true kindred spirit.

彼こそが私の莫逆の友だ。

Literary

Easily Confused

親交 vs 親睦

Both mean friendship/harmony.

Shinboku is specifically for group harmony (e.g., an office party). Shinkou is for the association/bond between parties.

親睦会 (Group party) vs 親交を結ぶ (Form a bond).

親交 vs 交流

Both involve interaction.

Kouryuu is more functional and less intimate. It refers to the 'act' of exchanging ideas or culture.

文化交流 (Cultural exchange) vs 厚い親交 (Deep friendship).

親交 vs 友情

Both translate to friendship.

Yuujou is the abstract emotion. Shinkou is the social/professional association.

友情を信じる (Believe in friendship) vs 親交がある (Have an association).

親交 vs 交際

Both mean socializing.

Kousai often implies romantic dating or general social intercourse. Shinkou is specifically about the 'quality' of the bond.

交際中 (Dating) vs 親交を深める (Deepening a bond).

親交 vs 親密

Both involve closeness.

Shinmitsu is an adjective describing high intimacy, often private. Shinkou is a noun for the social relationship.

親密な関係 (Intimate relationship) vs 親交を断つ (Cut off association).

Sentence Patterns

AとBは親交があります。

私と彼は親交があります。

～を通じて親交を深める。

スポーツを通じて親交を深める。

～と親交を結ぶ。

有名な学者と親交を結ぶ。

長年の親交にもかかわらず、～。

長年の親交にもかかわらず、本名を知らない。

～との親交を温める。

恩師との親交を温める。

親交の証として、～。

親交の証として、贈り物をした。

～と多岐にわたる親交がある。

彼は各界の著名人と多岐にわたる親交がある。

～との親交を偲ぶ。

亡き友人との親交を偲ぶ。

Word Family

Nouns

親交 (Friendship)

交友 (Friendship/Association)

親睦 (Harmony)

Verbs

交わる (To associate with)

交わす (To exchange)

Adjectives

親しい (Close/Intimate)

親友 (Best friend)

交流 (Exchange)

外交 (Diplomacy)

交際 (Socializing)

親密 (Intimacy)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business, news, and formal literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shinkou' for casual friends. → Using 'nakayoshi' or 'tomodachi'.
Shinkou is too formal for your high school buddies or peers. It sounds like you are treating them like business partners.
Saying 'shinkou-suru'. → Saying 'shinkou o fukameru'.
Shinkou is a noun and doesn't naturally take 'suru' to become a verb. It needs a supporting verb like 'fukameru' or 'musubu'.
Confusing 親交 (Friendship) with 信仰 (Faith). → Check the first kanji.
In writing, choosing 信仰 by mistake can lead to awkward misunderstandings about your religious intentions.
Using 'shinkou' for romantic partners. → Using 'tsukiai' or 'koibito'.
It sounds very cold and detached to describe a romantic relationship as 'shinkou'.
Confusing 'shinkou' with 'shinboku' in group settings. → Use 'shinboku' for the party, 'shinkou' for the bond.
An office party is a 'shinboku-kai', not a 'shinkou-kai' (though 'shinkou-kai' exists, it's less common for casual office fun).

Tips

Use 'Fukameru' for Growth

Whenever you want to say you are getting to know someone better in a professional way, use '親交を深める'. It sounds very proactive and polite.

Visualize the Kanji

The kanji 親 (parent) and 交 (cross) represent a 'close crossing' of lives. Visualizing this can help you remember the meaning of deep association.

Networking Power Word

In networking events, using 'shinkou' shows that you aren't just there for business, but for building meaningful, long-term connections.

Pair with 'Atsui'

To describe a very deep friendship, use '厚い親交' (atsui shinkou). The word 'atsui' (thick/deep) adds a sense of reliability and strength to the bond.

Email Closings

Ending an email with a mention of your 'shinkou' is a great way to leave a lasting, positive impression on a Japanese business partner.

Listen for the 'N'

The 'n' in 'shinkou' is a nasal sound. In fast speech, it might blend with the 'k', but the long 'o' at the end is usually distinct.

Food and Shinkou

In Japan, eating together is the primary way to 'deepen shinkou'. Mentioning 'shinkou' when inviting someone to lunch is very natural.

Distinguish from Yuujou

Remember: Yuujou is how you feel; Shinkou is how you associate. One is internal, the other is social.

Pitch Accent

Try to keep the pitch flat or slightly dropping. Avoid rising at the end unless it's a question.

Shiny Company

Think of 'SHIN-KOU' as 'SHINing COmpany'. A friendship that shines is a great shinkou!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHIN' as 'SHINy' and 'KOU' as 'COmpany'. A shiny company of friends is a deep 'shinkou'.

Visual Association

Imagine two parents (親) crossing (交) paths and shaking hands warmly.

Word Web

Relationship Friendship Intimacy Formal Association Bridge Bond Exchange

Challenge

Try to use 'shinkou' in a sentence describing a relationship between two famous historical figures today.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). Derived from Middle Chinese roots.

Original meaning: Close interaction or intimate exchange.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'shinkou' for romantic relationships unless you want to sound very detached or clinical.

In English, 'friendship' is often seen as purely personal. In Japan, 'shinkou' can be a professional duty.

The 'Japan-US Shinkou' (Japan-US Friendship) often mentioned in political speeches. The friendship between Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki (often described as Shinkou). Community 'Shinkou-kai' (Friendship Associations) found in almost every Japanese town.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Networking

親交を深める機会をいただき感謝します。
今後とも親交をよろしくお願いいたします。
異業種の皆様と親交を広げたいです。
親交会に参加する。

Diplomacy/Politics

日米の親交を強化する。
親交の証として記念品を贈る。
長年の親交を称える。
親交関係を維持する。

Neighborhood/Community

住民同士の親交を深める祭り。
隣人と親交を結ぶ。
親交を大切にする地域。
家族ぐるみの親交。

Academic/Literary

文豪たちの親交を描く。
学問的な親交。
書簡を通じて親交を深める。
生涯にわたる親交。

Reconnecting with Old Friends

久しぶりに旧交を温める。
親交を復活させる。
昔の親交を思い出す。
変わらぬ親交を喜ぶ。

Conversation Starters

"「最近、どなたかと新しく親交を深める機会はありましたか？」 (Recently, have you had an opportunity to deepen a new friendship?)"

"「異業種の方々と親交を広げるには、どうすればいいと思いますか？」 (How do you think one should go about expanding friendships with people from different industries?)"

"「長年の親交を維持する秘訣は何だと思いますか？」 (What do you think is the secret to maintaining a long-standing friendship?)"

"「趣味を通じて親交が生まれた経験はありますか？」 (Have you ever had the experience of a friendship being born through a hobby?)"

"「今日は皆さんと親交を深めることができて、とても嬉しいです。」 (I am very happy to have been able to deepen my friendship with everyone today.)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰と親交を深めましたか？そのために何をしたか書いてみましょう。 (Who did you deepen a friendship with today? Write about what you did for that.)

あなたにとって「理想的な親交」とはどのようなものですか？ (What is an 'ideal friendship/association' to you?)

家族ぐるみの親交がある人はいますか？その関係について詳しく書いてください。 (Is there anyone you have a family-wide friendship with? Write in detail about that relationship.)

仕事で親交を深めることは、業務にどのような影響を与えると思いますか？ (How do you think deepening friendships at work affects business operations?)

昔の友人と親交を温めるとしたら、誰に連絡したいですか？ (If you were to renew a friendship with an old friend, who would you want to contact?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally not used for romantic relationships. Using 'shinkou' would make it sound like you have a formal, business-like association with them. Use 'tsukiai' (dating) or 'shinmitsu' (intimacy) instead.

'Shinkou' focuses on the bond and association between individuals or groups. 'Shinboku' focuses on the harmony and atmosphere within a group. You have a 'shinboku-kai' (harmony party) to build 'shinkou' (friendship).

Yes, it is quite formal. In casual talk, you would say 'naka ga ii' (on good terms) or 'nakayoshi' (close friends). Use 'shinkou' when you want to sound respectful or professional.

Context is the biggest clue. If you are talking about people, it's friendship. If you are talking about gods or temples, it's faith. Also, 'shinkou' (faith) is often followed by 'shin' (faith) or 'sha' (believer).

The most common verbs are 'fukameru' (deepen), 'musubu' (form/tie), 'atatameru' (renew/warm), and 'aru' (to have/exist).

Yes, it is very common in diplomatic language to describe the friendly relationship between two nations.

No, you don't typically say 'shinkou-suru'. You use it as a noun with other verbs like 'shinkou o fukameru'.

It means 'a friendship of many years' or a 'long-standing association'. It's a very common set phrase.

Absolutely. It's a great word for business emails to express a desire to work closely and maintain a good relationship with a client or partner.

'Kouryuu' (exchange) is more about the activity of interacting, while 'shinkou' is about the resulting bond or friendship. You have a cultural 'kouryuu' to build international 'shinkou'.