Chinese Culture (6) Relationships

关系/Guanxi (Relationships between People)

Throughout much of Chinese history, the fundamental glue that has held society together is the concept of guanxi, relationships between people. It is very important for the Chinese to have good relationships. They often regard good social relations as a symbol of personal ability and influence. Someone who has no connections would be despised and is only half-Chinese.

纵贯中国的历史，一个维系社会的基本粘合剂就是关系这个概念，也就是人与人之间的关联。对中国人来说，有良好的关系是十分重要的。他们往往将拥有良好的社会关系看成是一个人能力和影响力的象征。一个毫无关系的人将会被轻视，而且最多只能算半个中国人。