① 兩詞都可以表示事物之間的相似處或一致性。
the relation/relationship between wages and prices 工資與物價(jià)之間的關(guān)系
② 兩詞也可指親戚關(guān)系。
A relation of mine is coming to stay. 我有個(gè)親戚要來暫住。
“What's your relation to her?”“She's my cousin.”“你跟她是什么親戚?”“她是我的表妹?!?
③ 若指強(qiáng)烈的感情關(guān)系,用relationship,若不強(qiáng)調(diào)個(gè)人關(guān)系或友誼時(shí),可用relationship或relations (復(fù)數(shù)形式)。
Their relationship has lasted many years. 他們的感情已有多年了。
Britain has a unique relationship with the USA. 英國與美國之間的關(guān)系很特殊。
diplomatic/business relations 外交/業(yè)務(wù)關(guān)系