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.
I've built a good relationship with him.
Family relations are complicated.
Specifically refers to human relations or interpersonal relationships, often used in contexts like workplace or social dynamics.
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.
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).
Relations between the two countries are improving.
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.
I had relations with him.
Specifically refers to an extramarital affair or adulterous relationship.
Their affair was exposed.
Referring to connections or interactions in a business context.
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.
to investigate the causal relationship.
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.
to conduct public relations activities.
The loanword 'PR' is commonly used in Japanese, especially in marketing and media.
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).
They have a good working relationship.
The two countries restored diplomatic relations.
She had an affair with her boss.
diplomatic relations
国交を樹立する。
to establish diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations, emphasizing the foreign affairs aspect.
to sever diplomatic relations.
Explicitly means physical or sexual relations.
to have a physical relationship.
We have a long-standing business relationship.
Cooperative relations, often used for partnerships or alliances.
The two companies have a cooperative relationship.
There is no relation between these two incidents.
関連があるかどうか調べる。
to check if there is a connection.