Guanxi 關係 (关系)

guānxì · from Chinese

What is guanxi?

關係 (guānxì) means relationships, specifically the network of personal connections and mutual obligations that help get things done in Chinese society.

Guanxi is built through favours, banquets, gifts and trust over time. It is often discussed in business contexts, sometimes negatively as cronyism. The everyday phrase 沒關係 méi guānxi means it does not matter, literally there is no connection.

Examples

拉關係 lā guānxi (build connections); 走後門 zǒu hòumén (go through the back door); 沒關係 méi guānxi (never mind)

Kungfucius says: Guanxi: LinkedIn, but with dumplings and lifelong obligations.