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Guanxi

2 stages from Chinese to English.

Today it means a Chinese concept of personal networks and reciprocal relationships that grease social and business dealings

Where does the word "guanxi" come from? It comes from Chinese guānxi, adopted directly into English (late 1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
guānxi
Chinese · ancient
"a personal or social network of mutual obligation"
meaning 'relationship' or 'connection', a concept of reciprocal social and business ties
2
Stage 2 of 2
guanxi
English · late 1900s
"a network of influential personal relationships used to get things done"
borrowed by business writers analyzing the role of personal networks in Chinese commerce
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