relationship; connection; involvement; entanglement; implication
Often used in negative contexts, implying unwanted or troublesome involvement, such as being implicated in a crime or getting entangled in a messy situation. Common in phrases like 関わり合いになる (to get involved) and 関わり合いを避ける (to avoid involvement).
I don't want to get involved in that incident.
He avoids getting entangled in troublesome matters.
Standard kanji spelling.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 関わり合い.
Irregular okurigana usage; rarely seen.
Compound of 関わり (kakawari, 'involvement', from verb 関わる kakawaru) + 合い (ai, 'mutual', from verb 合う au). The combination emphasizes mutual or reciprocal involvement.