Translation and Meaning of: 社交 - shakou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 社交 (しゃこう). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to discussions about social behavior. But what exactly does this term mean and how is it used by the Japanese? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

社交 is a term that carries important nuances in the Japanese language, reflecting aspects of human interaction valued in Japan. Whether in professional or informal environments, understanding its meaning can aid not only in language learning but also in grasping certain cultural values. Let’s uncover all of this below.

Meaning and use of 社交

The word 社交 (しゃこう) can be translated as "socialization" or "social interaction." It refers to the act of relating to other people, whether in events, gatherings, or everyday situations. Unlike in Portuguese, where "social" can have a broader meaning, in Japanese, 社交 is more closely tied to the idea of companionship and communication between individuals.

A common example of use is in expressions like 社交的 (しゃこうてき), which describes someone sociable or extroverted. It also appears in contexts like 社交ダンス (social dance) or 社交界 (high society), showing its versatility. It is worth noting that, although it is a formal term, it does not sound overly technical and can be used in everyday conversations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

Analyzing the kanji that form 社交, we have 社 (しゃ), which means "society" or "company," and 交 (こう), which can be translated as "interaction" or "exchange." Together, they create the idea of an exchange within a social context, reinforcing the sense of companionship. This composition helps to understand why the word is used to describe human relationships.

It is interesting to note that 交 appears in other related words, such as 交流 (こうりゅう – exchange) and 交際 (こうさい – dating/relationship). This kanji is therefore strongly linked to concepts of communication and connection, which reinforces the meaning of 社交 as social interaction.

Tips for memorizing and using 社交

An effective way to remember 社交 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of events like parties, meetings, or even informal conversations – all are examples of 社交 in action. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "彼は社交的です" (he is sociable) to practice using it in real contexts.

Additionally, paying attention to compound expressions, such as 社交辞令 (しゃこうじれい – social conventions), can help expand your vocabulary. Since many of these combinations are used frequently, recognizing them makes it easier to understand texts and dialogues. Over time, you will naturally incorporate 社交 into your everyday Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 交際 (kōsai) - Social or romantic relationship.
• 人付き合い (hito tsukiai) - Social interaction and interpersonal relationships.
• 交遊 (kōyū) - Friendship or more informal social ties.
• 交友 (kōyū) - Friendship, emphasizing the personal bond and mutual support.

社交

Romaji: shakou
Kana: しゃこう
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: social life; social relationships

Meaning in English: social life;social intercourse

Definition: To interact smoothly with other people.

Example Sentences - (社交) shakou

See below some example sentences:

挨拶は大切な社交行為です。

Aisatsu wa taisetsu na shakou koui desu

Greetings are an important social act.

• 挨拶 (aisatsu) - greeting
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 社交 (shakou) - socialization, social interaction
• 行為 (koui) - action, behavior
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

社交は人間関係を築くために重要な要素です。

Shakou wa ningen kankei o kizuku tame ni juuyou na youso desu

Socialization is an important factor in building relationships.

• 社交 - "interação social" em japonês significa 社会的相互作用 (しゃかいてきそうごさよう).
• 人間関係 - "人間関係" em japonês.
• 築く - "Construir" em japonês significa 建設する (けんせつする, kensetsu suru).
• ために - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the purpose of something, in this case, "for".
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese.
• 要素 - It means "element" in Japanese.
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.