1.
association, socializing, company
Having social relationships with others.
交際が広い。
To have a wide circle of friends.
交際費
Entertainment expenses; socializing costs.
近所の人たちとの交際を大切にしている。
I value my social relationships with the neighbors.
2.
dating, relationship
A romantic relationship between two people.
二人は交際している。
The two are dating.
彼らは3年間交際した後、先月結婚した。
After dating for three years, they got married last month.
友人から交際を申し込まれて驚いた。
I was surprised when a friend asked me out.
交際 covers both social and romantic relationships.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 交際する (to associate, to date)
- 交際が広い/狭い (wide/narrow social circle)
- 交際費 (entertainment expenses)
- 交際相手 (partner, date)
NOTE: Can refer to both friendships and romantic relationships depending on context.