noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
affinity; family relationship
Refers to a connection or similarity between things, or a familial bond. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
この二つの言語には類縁関係がある。
These two languages have an affinity.
彼は類縁の者を頼って上京した。
He came to Tokyo relying on a family connection.
Compound of 類 (kind, sort) and 縁 (connection, bond). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination suggests a connection based on shared kind or origin.