In 15 Seconds
- Means both social associating and romantic dating.
- Implies a continuous, ongoing relationship between people.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'with' (跟).
Meaning
This word describes the act of interacting or hanging out with people. It covers everything from making friends to being in a serious romantic relationship.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new friend
我跟他交往了很久，他是个好人。
I have associated with him for a long time; he is a good person.
Asking if someone is dating
你们在交往吗？
Are you two dating?
Formal business networking
两家公司有着密切的交往。
The two companies have close dealings.
Cultural Background
Traditionally, social circles in China were strictly defined by family and hierarchy. '交往' represents the modern shift toward choosing one's own social and romantic partners. It is a key part of building 'Guanxi' (social capital) in both business and personal life.
The 'Dating' Default
If you use this word with a member of the opposite sex without context, people will almost always assume you are dating!
Don't use for family
It sounds very weird to say you '交往' with your parents. Use '相处' (get along) instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Means both social associating and romantic dating.
- Implies a continuous, ongoing relationship between people.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'with' (跟).
What It Means
交往 is a versatile word for human connection. Think of it as the bridge between two people. It describes the process of getting to know someone over time. It is not just a one-time meeting. It implies an ongoing social relationship. You can use it for friends, business partners, or lovers.
How To Use It
You usually put the people involved before the word. For example, "A and B 交往." You can also say "I want to 交往 with him." It often follows the word 跟 (with). It sounds natural in both speech and writing. It is a very safe, middle-ground word. It is neither too stiff nor too slangy.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing your social circle. It is perfect for describing a new friendship. It is also the standard way to say you are "dating" someone. If your mom asks if you have a boyfriend, she will use this word. Use it in professional settings to describe networking. It works well when talking about international relations too.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for a quick transaction. Buying coffee from a barista is not 交往. It requires a deeper, repeated interaction. Avoid using it for family members. You do not "associate" with your sister; you just live with her. If you just met someone once at a party, it is too early for this word. Wait until the second or third hangout.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 交往 is about building 关系 (connections). It is the first step in creating a social web. Historically, it was a very formal term for scholarly or diplomatic ties. Today, it has softened. It now carries a bit of a romantic weight. If you tell a Chinese friend you are 交往-ing with someone, they will likely ask for a wedding invitation soon! Be careful with your tone.
Common Variations
You will often see 社交 (socializing) in formal contexts. 来往 is another common variation. 来往 feels more like "coming and going" or frequent visiting. For very close, romantic dating, people might just say 谈恋爱. However, 交往 remains the most polite and flexible choice for all social bonds.
Usage Notes
The word is highly dependent on context. Between two individuals of a similar age, it strongly implies dating. In a plural or corporate context, it implies networking or general interaction.
The 'Dating' Default
If you use this word with a member of the opposite sex without context, people will almost always assume you are dating!
Don't use for family
It sounds very weird to say you '交往' with your parents. Use '相处' (get along) instead.
The 'Guanxi' Secret
In China, '交往' is the engine of networking. It's not just about being nice; it's about building a long-term mutual support system.
Examples
6我跟他交往了很久，他是个好人。
I have associated with him for a long time; he is a good person.
Here it refers to a long-term friendship.
你们在交往吗？
Are you two dating?
A very common way to ask about a romantic relationship.
两家公司有着密切的交往。
The two companies have close dealings.
In a business context, it means professional association.
我想和你正式交往。
I want to date you officially.
A bold and clear way to ask someone to be your partner.
我最近只跟我的猫交往。
Lately, I only associate with my cat.
Using a human social term for a pet adds a funny touch.
各国之间的交往越来越频繁。
Interactions between countries are becoming more frequent.
Used here for high-level diplomatic contact.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe two people who have started dating.
他们上个月开始___了。
'交往' is the standard term for entering a dating relationship.
Complete the sentence to show professional interaction.
我们和那家工厂有很多业务___。
'业务交往' means business dealings or associations.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '交往'
Hanging out with friends
跟朋友交往
Dating someone
我们在交往
Business or Diplomatic ties
国际交往
Where to use '交往'
Romantic Dating
Are you two dating?
New Friendships
Getting to know a neighbor
Business Ties
Company partnerships
Global Politics
Countries interacting
Practice Bank
2 exercises他们上个月开始___了。
'交往' is the standard term for entering a dating relationship.
我们和那家工厂有很多业务___。
'业务交往' means business dealings or associations.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is broader. While often used for dating, it also means general social association or professional networking like in 商业交往 (business dealings).
You can say 我跟他正在交往 (I am currently dating him). The word 正在 adds the 'currently' feel.
Yes, but keep it professional. You can talk about 业务交往 (business interactions), but don't just say you are 交往-ing with your boss or people will get the wrong idea!
见面 is just a physical meeting once. 交往 is a series of interactions that form a relationship over time.
It is neutral. You can use it in a casual text to a friend or in a serious news report about international relations.
Yes, absolutely. It just means 'associating with' or 'having social contact with' in that context.
It means to stop associating with someone. In a romantic sense, it is a polite way to say you've broken up or stopped seeing each other.
Yes, it's very common. Phrases like 加强交往 (strengthen ties) are used frequently in corporate and diplomatic settings.
No, that sounds very strange. For family, use 相处 (get along) or just say you are close.
You can ask: 你们交往多久了？ (How long have you two been associating/dating?)
Not necessarily. It focuses on the social and emotional relationship. It's a much more 'polite' and 'clean' word than some English equivalents.
The biggest mistake is using it for a one-time event. Remember, 交往 requires time and repetition.
Related Phrases
谈恋爱 (To be in a romantic relationship)
相处 (To get along with)
来往 (To have contact/dealings)
社交 (Socializing/Social contact)
认识 (To know/be acquainted with)
