交

It conveys both the literal sense of things crossing or intersecting and the figurative sense of human interaction and social bonds.

The character 交 depicts two elements crossing each other, suggesting intersection, mingling, or contact. From this, the meanings of exchange, intercourse, friendship, and interaction developed.

Semantic range:

- to make friends, to associate socially;

- to exchange, to give and receive;

- to intersect, to cross paths;

- alternation, mutuality (alternating, taking turns);

- by extension, intercourse or relations (physical or symbolic).

交流 (교류) — exchange, interchange, communication

交友 (교우) — making friends

交通 (교통) — traffic, communication, transport

社交 (사교) — social interaction

交替 (교체) — alternation, rotation

In Confucian thought, 交 often relates to proper human relationships and conduct. The Analects stress the importance of choosing one’s friends wisely (擇其善者而從之), emphasizing how association (交) shapes virtue.

In Daoist texts, 交 sometimes symbolizes the intermingling of cosmic forces (陰陽交感), the dynamic interplay that generates life.

The notion of 交 as relationship and fellowship resonates strongly with the Christian concept of koinonia (κοινωνία)—the spiritual fellowship of believers. Just as 交 implies both giving and receiving, Christian community is built on mutual love, sharing, and service.