1.
association, socializing, relationship
The act of maintaining social relationships or keeping company with others.
2.
romantic relationship, dating
A romantic involvement between two people.
Common patterns
- 付き合いがいい (sociable, easy to get along with)
- 付き合いが悪い (unsociable, hard to get along with)
- 付き合いで〜する (to do ~ as a social obligation)
Compounds
- 近所付き合い (neighborly relations)
- 仕事の付き合い (work-related socializing)
- お付き合い (polite form; also used for romantic relationship)
Usage
付き合い often implies social obligations that one feels compelled to participate in, especially in business contexts.