B1 noun Formal 1 min read

往来

wanglai /wɑŋ˨˩˦ laɪ̯˧˥/

往来 represents the continuous flow of interactions or relationships between people or groups.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to social or business contact between parties.
  • Can describe frequent interactions or trade relationships.
  • Often used in formal and semi-formal contexts.

Overview

  1. 1概述:往来(wǎng lái)是一个非常常用的词汇,既可以作为名词表示“交往、联系”,也可以作为动词表示“往返、来回”。在人际关系中,它强调双方的互动频率和深度。2) 用法模式:在名词用法中,常与“频繁”、“密切”、“断绝”等词搭配。例如“往来密切”表示关系很好,联系频繁。3) 常见语境:该词广泛应用于社会交往、商务合作以及国际关系中。例如,“我们两家多年来一直有往来”描述的是邻里关系;“两国之间的贸易往来”描述的是经济联系。4) 同义词辨析:与“交流”相比,“往来”更侧重于双方的走动和实际联系;与“来往”相比,“往来”在书面语中出现频率更高,语气也稍微正式一些。掌握这个词有助于准确描述社会关系的动态。

Examples

1

我们两家是邻居,平时往来很频繁。

everyday

We are neighbors and have frequent contact.

2

双方应加强贸易往来,实现互利共赢。

formal

Both sides should strengthen trade relations to achieve mutual benefit.

3

他因为工作原因,经常往来于上海和北京。

informal

He often travels between Shanghai and Beijing for work.

4

学术界的往来对于科学进步至关重要。

academic

Academic exchanges are crucial for scientific progress.

Common Collocations

密切往来 close contact
频繁往来 frequent contact
断绝往来 break off relations

Common Phrases

往来无白丁

Only scholars visit (from a famous poem)

商务往来

business dealings

频繁往来

frequent interactions

Often Confused With

往来 vs 交流

Refers specifically to the exchange of ideas or information. '往来' is broader and includes physical contact or general interaction.

往来 vs 来往

Very similar in meaning. '来往' is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken Chinese, while '往来' is preferred in formal writing.

Grammar Patterns

保持/加强 + 往来 往来 + 密切/频繁 往来于 + 地点A + 和 + 地点B

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '往来' is versatile but favors formal contexts when used as a noun. In spoken Chinese, '来往' is often used interchangeably. When used as a verb, it implies repetitive movement between two points.


Common Mistakes

Learners often use '往来' to describe physical transportation, which is better served by '往返'. Also, avoid using it as a direct synonym for 'talking' (交流); it is more about the relationship status.

Tips

💡

Focus on context for register

Use '往来' in professional emails or reports instead of '来往'. It sounds more sophisticated and appropriate for business settings.

⚠️

Don't confuse with physical travel

While '往来' can mean travel back and forth, it is often better to use '往返' when specifically talking about trips or transportation.

🌍

Human relationships in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, maintaining '往来' is essential for 'Guanxi' (connections). Frequent, polite interactions are seen as a sign of respect and long-term friendship.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of '往' (to go) and '来' (to come). Historically, it describes the back-and-forth movement necessary to maintain a relationship or trade.

Cultural Context

The concept of '往来' is deeply rooted in the Chinese value of maintaining social harmony. It is often synonymous with building trust over time through consistent interaction.

Memory Tip

Think of '往' (to go) and '来' (to come). If you are constantly going and coming between two places or people, you are having '往来' (interactions).

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

这两个词意思基本相同,但在用法上有细微差别。“来往”更口语化,常用于日常生活;“往来”则更正式,常用于书面语或正式场合,如“商务往来”。

通常指人与人或组织之间的联系。如果是指物体或车辆的移动,我们更多使用“往返”或“来回”。

可以说“这两家公司往来密切”。这表示他们之间有频繁的业务合作和沟通。

它既可以是名词(指交往),也可以是动词(指往返)。根据上下文可以轻松判断,例如“往来于两地之间”是动词用法。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他们两家公司多年来保持着密切的商业___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 往来

在商业语境下,描述联系和合作,使用“往来”最为地道。

multiple choice

下列哪项用法是不合适的?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 这辆车往来得很慢。

“往来”通常指人或组织的互动,形容车辆移动通常用“行驶”或“往返”。

sentence building

往来 / 我们 / 密切 / 保持 / 一直

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我们一直保持密切往来。

这是标准的中文语序,主语+副词+动词+定语+宾语。

Score: /3

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!