''Gǎnqíng'' () literally means "feel" (''Gǎn'', 感) "affection" (''Qíng'', 情) and together the term is often translated as "feelings" or "emotional attachment". ''Gǎnqíng'' refers to a friendship-like feeling that develops between two people, groups, or business partners as their relationship deepens. ''Gǎnqíng'' is an important concept in social relations in Chinese culture that has roots in

Confucianism Confucianism, also known as Ruism or Ru classicism, is a system of thought and behavior originating in ancient China. Variously described as tradition, a philosophy, a religion, a humanistic or rationalistic religion, a way of governing, or ...

, and is a sub-dimension to the concept of '' guānxi'' (a person's relationship network). Developing good ''gǎnqíng'' is a critical aspect of building ''guānxi'' relationships. Good ''gǎnqíng'' means that two people have developed a rapport, while deep ''gǎnqíng'' means there is a considerable emotional bond within the relationship. ''Gǎnqíng'' can also refer as "love affair" in Chinese. The term ''gǎnqíng'' is often used in comments by the

government of the People's Republic of China The Government of the People's Republic of China () is an authoritarian political system in the People's Republic of China under the exclusive political leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It consists of legislative, executive, mili ...

, for example statements that an action " hurts the feelings of the Chinese people" which some people interpret to mean harm the relationship with the Chinese government.

References

Chinese culture Chinese words and phrases Interpersonal relationships {{China-stub