Translation and Meaning of: 関連 - kanren

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 関連 (かんれん). It is quite common in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to academic texts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, practical uses, and even some curiosities that can help with memorization. If you want to understand how this word functions in real Japanese, you have come to the right place.

"関連" (かんれん) means "related" or "connection."

The word 関連 (かんれん) can be translated into English as "relation," "connection," or "association." It is used to indicate that something is linked to another element, either directly or indirectly. For example, if someone says that a book has 関連 to a movie, it means that there is a relationship between them, such as an adaptation or a common theme.

Unlike more specific words like 関係 (かんけい), which also means "relation" but with a more interpersonal bias, 関連 is often used for broader connections, such as between concepts, events, or objects. This nuance is important for those who want to speak Japanese more accurately.

Origin and writing of 関連

The word 関連 is formed by two kanjis: 関 (which can mean "barrier" or "connection") and 連 (which carries the sense of "to link" or "sequence"). Together, they reinforce the idea of something that is linked or in sequence with another thing. This composition helps to understand why the word is used to describe logical or contextual relationships.

It is worth noting that 関連 is not an old or rare word – it frequently appears in newspapers, debates, and even in internet searches. If you are learning Japanese, it is very likely that you will encounter it in intermediate or advanced texts, especially in discussions on interdisciplinary topics.

How to use 関連 in daily life

One of the most common ways to use 関連 is in constructions like 関連がある (かんれんがある – "to have a relationship") or 関連性 (かんれんせい – "relatedness"). For example, in a work meeting, someone might ask: "Is there any relation between this data and the results?"

Another frequent use is in expressions like 関連記事 (かんれんきじ – "related article"), very common on news websites. If you've ever read an online text in Japanese, you've probably seen links with this description at the bottom of the page. This is a great example of how the word is present in Japanese digital culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 関わり (Kakawari) - Relationship or involvement with something or someone.
• 連関 (Renkai) - Connection or relationship between parts of a whole.
• 関係 (Kankei) - Relation or connection between people or things.
• 絡み合い (Karami-ai) - Interweaving or complex entanglement of relationships.
• 係わり (Kakawari) - Involvement or bond, similar to 関わり.
• 連携 (Renkei) - Collaboration or cooperation between entities.
• 連帯 (Rentai) - Solidarity or mutual support connection.
• 相関 (Sousan) - Mutual relationship or interdependence between variables.
• 関係性 (Kankeisei) - Nature or quality of relationships.
• 連結 (Renketsu) - Interconnection or union of parts.
• 連動 (Rendou) - Joint operation or synchronization between two or more parties.
• 結びつき (Musubitsuki) - Connection or unification between aspects or people.
• 結びつける (Musubitsukeru) - To unite or connect, the action of establishing bonds.
• 結びつく (Musubitsuku) - To form a link or connection.
• 結びつけ (Musubitsuke) - Act of establishing a connection.
• 結びついている (Musubitsuite iru) - Is connected or united, a continuous state of connection.
• 結びついた (Musubitsuita) - Was connected, beyond the condition of being united.
• 結びつかない (Musubitsukanai) - Not connected, denial of connection.
• 結びつかなかった (Musubitsukanakatta) - Could not connect, past denial of connection.
• 結びつくように (Musubitsuku you ni) - To connect, expression of intent to unite.
• 結びつくために (Musubitsuku tame ni) - To connect, the purpose of uniting.
• 結びつきを強める (Musubitsuki wo tsuyomeru) - Strengthening the connection, the act of reinforcing bonds.
• 結びつきを深める (Musubitsuki wo fukameru) - Deepen the connection, action of intensifying relationships.

関連

Romaji: kanren
Kana: かんれん
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: relation; connection; relevance

Meaning in English: relation;connection;relevance

Definition: Two or more things are intimately related to each other.

Example Sentences - (関連) kanren

See below some example sentences:

出口はどこですか？

Deguchi wa doko desu ka?

Where's the exit?

• 出口 - means "exit" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• どこ - means "where" in Japanese.
• です - It is an auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence.
• か - It is a grammatical particle that indicates a question.