Translation guide
The English word "relations" covers a wide range of meanings, from personal connections to formal diplomatic ties. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each context.
Referring to relationships between people, such as family ties, friendships, or personal bonds.
The most general and common word for 'relations' or 'relationship' between people. Can be used for personal, professional, or abstract connections.
彼とはいい関係を築いてきた。
I've built a good relationship with him.
家族関係は複雑だ。
Family relations are complicated.
Specifically refers to human relations or interpersonal relationships, often used in contexts like workplace or social dynamics.
職場の人間関係に悩んでいる。
I'm struggling with workplace relations.
A formal term for family relation or kinship, often used on official documents to indicate how someone is related to the head of the household.
続柄を記入してください。
Please fill in your relationship (to the head of household).
Referring to formal relationships between countries, organizations, or governments.
Also used for diplomatic or international relations. Often appears in compounds like 国際関係 (international relations).
両国の関係は改善しつつある。
Relations between the two countries are improving.
国交
diplomatic relations
Specifically means diplomatic relations between nations. Often used in news or formal contexts.
Referring to a sexual or romantic relationship, often euphemistically.
Can imply a sexual relationship when context makes it clear. Often used in phrases like 関係を持つ (to have relations with).
Without clear context, 関係 alone does not imply sexual relations. Use with care.
彼と関係を持った。
I had relations with him.
Specifically refers to an extramarital affair or adulterous relationship.
不倫関係がばれた。
Their affair was exposed.
Referring to connections or interactions in a business context.
Used broadly for business relations, often in compounds like 取引関係 (business relationship).
取引関係を築く。
to build business relations.
Specifically refers to transactional or business relationships.
長年の取引関係がある。
We have a long-standing business relationship.
Referring to the way things are connected or related in a non-personal sense.
Used for abstract relations, such as cause and effect, or mathematical relations.
因果関係を調べる。
to investigate the causal relationship.
この二つの事件には関係がない。
There is no relation between these two incidents.
Means 'relation' or 'connection' in the sense of being related or relevant. Often used in compounds like 関連性 (relevance).
Referring to the management of communication between an organization and the public.
The standard term for public relations or PR activities. Often used in business and government contexts.
広報活動を行う。
to conduct public relations activities.
The loanword 'PR' is commonly used in Japanese, especially in marketing and media.
PR会社に勤めている。
I work at a PR firm.
While 関係 is the most versatile translation, it can sound vague or overly formal in casual conversation. For personal relationships, consider using more specific words like 仲 (なか) for 'relationship' or 'terms' (e.g., 仲がいい 'get along well').
関係 implies a direct, often two-way relationship, while 関連 suggests a looser connection or relevance. For example, 事件の関係者 (people involved in the incident) vs. 事件の関連情報 (information related to the incident).
彼らは仕事上のいい関係を築いている。
They have a good working relationship.
両国は国交を回復した。
The two countries restored diplomatic relations.
彼女は上司と不倫関係にあった。
She had an affair with her boss.
国交を樹立する。
to establish diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations, emphasizing the foreign affairs aspect.
外交関係を断絶する。
to sever diplomatic relations.
Explicitly means physical or sexual relations.
肉体関係を持つ。
to have a physical relationship.
Cooperative relations, often used for partnerships or alliances.
両社は協力関係にある。
The two companies have a cooperative relationship.
関連があるかどうか調べる。
to check if there is a connection.