Translation and Meaning of: 間柄 - aidagara

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese describe relationships between people, the word 間柄 (あいだがら) is essential in their vocabulary. In the Suki Nihongo Japanese dictionary, you can find not only the meaning but also the correct writing and practical examples to include in Anki and enhance your studies. In this article, we will explore the origin, everyday usage, and even curiosities about this expression that goes far beyond a simple "relationship."

Origin and etymology of 間柄

The word 間柄 is composed of two kanji: 間 (あいだ), which means "interval" or "space between," and 柄 (がら), which can be translated as "nature" or "type." Together, they form a term that describes the relationship between individuals, whether it's friendship, family, or work. The idea behind it is precisely that of a "shared space" that defines how people connect.

Curiously, the kanji 柄 also appears in words like 人柄 (ひとがら), which means "personality." This shows how Japanese often uses radicals to create semantic connections between concepts. If you have studied other terms with 柄, you will notice that it always carries this notion of characteristic or quality inherent to something.

Lies in Japanese everyday life

In daily life, Japanese people use 間柄 to talk about social ties in a neutral or even formal way. You might hear phrases like 「あの二人の間柄は？」 ("What is the relationship between those two people?"), especially in contexts where there is uncertainty about the level of intimacy. Companies also use the term to describe professional relationships, such as in 取引先との間柄 (relationship with clients).

A valuable tip: avoid using 間柄 for explicit romantic relationships. Although it technically fits, it sounds more natural to choose 交際 (こうさい) or 関係 (かんけい) in these cases. A common mistake among learners is to think that all "relations" in Portuguese fit here, but Japanese has nuances that make a difference.

Pictogram and memorization

The kanji 間 is a pictogram that represents a gate (門) with the sun (日) in the center, literally symbolizing the "space between" two points. On the other hand, 柄 shows a tree (木) with the radical for "mark" (丙), suggesting something like "a person's mark." Visualizing these elements helps to cement the meaning: think of 間柄 as "the space that marks how people relate to each other."

To memorize, create associations with real situations. Imagine two colleagues chatting in the meeting room: the 間 would be the table between them, and the 柄 would be the dynamic that defines them. If you've ever used apps like HelloTalk, you've noticed how even in international friendships there is a unique 間柄? These little mental triggers transform studying into something more organic.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

関係 (Kankei) - Relationship, bond between people or things
付き合い (Tsukiai) - Relationship, frequent interaction with someone, whether personal or professional.
繋がり (Tsunagari) - Connection or link can refer to interpersonal relationships or a network of contacts.
縁故 (Enko) - Family relations or connections generally refer to ties of origin.
人脈 (Jinmyaku) - Network of contacts or personal and professional relationships that can be useful