社内恋愛(しゃないれんあい)

しゃないれんあい
noun
office romance; workplace relationship
worksociety
1. office romance; workplace relationship
a romantic relationship between colleagues at the same company
社内恋愛(しゃないれんあい)は禁止(きんし)されている。
Office romance is prohibited.
社内恋愛(しゃないれんあい)がバレて気(き)まずい。
Our office romance was discovered and it's awkward.
Many couples who start with an office romance end up getting married.

Etymology

社内(しゃない) (within the company) + 恋愛(れんあい) (romantic love)

Cultural note

  • Common topic in Japanese dramas and manga
  • Some companies have formal or informal policies against it
  • Can be complicated by hierarchical relationships (上司(じょうし)/部下(ぶか))
  • Common worries: favoritism, effects on work, and awkwardness if the relationship ends

Related words