Vocabulary: Thematic & Topical Vocabulary (B1) - Lesson 7: Relationships (friendship, dating - basic terms)

Lesson 7: Relationships

Friendship, Dating, and More

Our lives are filled with connections to other people. Some are family, some are friends, and some are romantic partners. The way we connect with others is all about relationships. This lesson will teach you the vocabulary to describe different types of relationships, from friendship to dating.

Word Bank

Types of Relationships

• Relationship (noun) | ទំនាក់ទំនង
  The way in which two or more people are connected.
• friendship (noun) | មិត្តភាព
  The relationship between friends.
  Example: "Our friendship is very important to me."
• friend (noun) | មិត្តភក្តិ
  A person you know well and like (not romantic).
  Example: "Srey is my best friend."
• partner (noun) | ដៃគូ
  Your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
  Example: "I am going to the cinema with my partner."
• couple (noun) | គូស្នេហ៍
  Two people in a romantic relationship.
  Example: "They are a very happy couple."

Actions & States in Relationships

• to date (someone) (verb) | សេពគប់
  To have a romantic relationship with someone.
  Example: "They started to date last year."
• to get married (verb phrase) | រៀបការ
  To become husband and wife.
  Example: "They plan to get married next year."
• to break up (phrasal verb) | បែកគ្នា
  To end a romantic relationship.
  Example: "It is sad, but they decided to break up."
• single (adjective) | នៅលីវ
  Not married or in a romantic relationship.
  Example: "My brother is currently single."

Usage Note: Friend vs. Boyfriend/Girlfriend

This is a very important difference in English!

• Friend: Can be a man or a woman. There is no romance.
  "Bora is my friend." "Srey is my friend."
• Boyfriend: ONLY a man. This is a romantic partner.
  "Bora is my boyfriend."
• Girlfriend: ONLY a woman. This is a romantic partner.
  "Srey is my girlfriend."

If you are not sure, it is safe to use the word "partner".

In Conversation

Maria asks Srey about their friend, Bora.

Maria: Srey, how is Bora doing? I haven't seen him recently.

Srey: He's okay. He and his girlfriend decided to break up last month.

Maria: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Their relationship seemed so strong.

Srey: It was a difficult decision. So, he is single now. He is spending a lot of time with his friends.

Maria: That's good. A strong friendship is very helpful at a time like that. What about you? Are you dating anyone?

Srey: No, not right now. But my cousin is getting married!

Maria: Really? How exciting!

Srey: Yes, she and her partner are a lovely couple. They plan to get married in December.

Check Your Understanding

1. A person who is not married or in a romantic relationship is ______.
   • a) a partner
   • b) single
   • c) a couple
   Answer: b) single

2. What is the verb for ending a romantic relationship?
   • a) To get married
   • b) To date
   • c) To break up
   Answer: c) To break up

3. Srey is your romantic partner. She is your ______.
   • a) friend
   • b) friendship
   • c) girlfriend
   Answer: c) girlfriend

Your Mission

1. My Relationships: Write two sentences about important relationships in your life. (e.g., "My friendship with my best friend is 10 years old." "My parents are a happy couple.")
2. Relationship Goals: Write one sentence about a future relationship goal. (e.g., "One day, I want to get married and have a family.")
3. Speak: Your mission is to talk about a famous couple (from a movie or real life). (e.g., "They are a famous couple. They have been dating for two years.")