Korean Dictionary
How to say "Relationship" in Korean
“Relationship” in Korean is 관계 (pronounced "Gwangye").
관계
Gwangye
Usage & Context
The connection between two or more people. Korean society emphasizes maintaining proper relationships (관계 유지) according to social hierarchies. The concept of 인연 (inyeon, a fated connection) is deeply meaningful in Korean philosophy — meeting someone is seen as destiny.
Example Sentence
좋은 관계를 유지하는 데 노력이 필요해요.
Maintaining a good relationship requires effort.
How to use 관계 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Relationship” is 관계, romanized as Gwangye.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 관계.
Pronunciation Guide
'관' sounds like 'gwan' in 'Gwangju,' similar to 'swan' but with a harder 'g'. '계' sounds like 'gye' in 'gyeo,' similar to 'gay' but with a 'y' sound before the 'e'. The initial 'g' is often pronounced softly, almost like a 'k'.
More Example Sentences
Describing the state of a friendship or partnership.
그들은 아주 좋은 관계를 유지하고 있어요.
They maintain a very good relationship.
Discussing professional networking or workplace harmony.
직장 동료들과의 관계도 중요해요.
Relationships with colleagues are also important.
Explaining a correlation or connection between concepts.
이 문제는 환경과 밀접한 관계가 있습니다.
This issue has a close relationship with the environment.
Cultural Context
'관계' is a fundamental concept in Korean society. Maintaining good relationships (관계 유지) is crucial, especially in hierarchical settings like work or school. The concept of '인연' (inyeon), a fated connection, often elevates the meaning of relationships beyond mere acquaintance, suggesting a deeper, predestined bond. The term '갑을 관계' (gap-eul gwangye) highlights the importance of understanding power dynamics in Korean social and business interactions.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 관계 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
관계가 좋다/나쁘다.
The relationship is good/bad.
관계자 외 출입 금지.
No entry for unauthorized personnel. (Literally: 'Except for those related, entry forbidden.')
인간 관계.
Human relationships.
Related Expressions
인연
Inyeon
Fated connection, destiny (often romantic or deeply meaningful)
친분
Chinbun
Acquaintance, close relationship (implies familiarity)
유대
Yudae
Bond, tie (often emotional or social)
연결
Yeongyeol
Connection (more general, can be non-human)
More Relationships Words
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