関係(かんけい)

かんけい
noun
relationship; connection; relevance
abstract
1. relationship, connection
A link or association between people, things, or concepts.
二人(ふたり)の関係(かんけい)は良(よ)い。
The relationship between the two is good.
国際(こくさい)関係(かんけい)を学(まな)ぶ。
To study international relations.
My personal relationships aren't going well, and I'm thinking of quitting my job.
2. relevance, concern
Having to do with something; being related to a matter.
それは関係(かんけい)ない。
That has nothing to do with it.
Common expression
I had a meal with someone from work.
I thought this problem had nothing to do with me, but it actually did.

Also used as a suru verb, 〜に関係(かんけい)する (to be involved in, to have to do with): 事件(じけん)に関係(かんけい)した人(ひと), the people involved in the incident.

Common patterns

Compounds

  • 人間(にんげん)関係(かんけい): personal relationships
  • 親子(おやこ)関係(かんけい): parent-child relationship
  • 国際(こくさい)関係(かんけい): international relations
  • 因果(いんが)関係(かんけい): cause-and-effect relationship

Watch out

関係(かんけい)ない on its own is blunt ("none of my business"); in polite speech say 関係(かんけい)ありません.