Chinese word

路子

Pronunciation

Pinyinlù zi

Meaning

  • nounconnections

Example

我通过路子找到这份工作。wǒ tōng guò lù zi zhǎo dào zhè fèn gōng zuò

I found this job through connections.

Illustration for 路子 (connections)

More examples

他做事总喜欢走路子，常常引来非议。tā zuò shì zǒng xǐ huān zǒu lù zi cháng cháng yǐn lái fēi yì

He always likes to use connections when he does things, often attracting criticism.

Core concept

A way of getting something done by finding the right people or using a less public channel.

Common phrases

  • 走路子zǒu lù zi

    use connections

  • 有路子yǒu lù zi

    have connections

  • 打通路子dǎ tōng lù zi

    open up connections

Similar words

关系guān xì: Useful personal relationships for obtaining help, opportunities, or work.
人脉rén mài: A web of work-related contacts that offers support and useful opportunities.
门路mén lù: A private avenue or method for making progress toward a desired result.
后门hòu mén: A hidden or unofficial way to gain access or receive special treatment.

Definition in Chinese

指达到目的时可利用的途径或办法，常含依靠熟人、内々关系或非公开手段的意味，属口语用法。zhǐ dá dào mù dì shí kě lì yòng de tú jìng huò bàn fǎ cháng hán yī kào shú rén nèi guān xì huò fēi gōng kāi shǒu duàn de yì wèi shǔ kóu yǔ yòng fǎ

Word origin

路 (lù, "road") + 子 (zi, "noun-forming suffix") gives a road a broader everyday sense as a usable way to reach an outcome, including access through people.

Usage tips

  • In a job-search story, this wording can suggest that a personal introduction or private opening mattered, even without accusing anyone of breaking a rule.

Other meanings

  • waynoun

Opposites

  • 正道zhèng dàothe proper waynoun
  • 正规渠道zhèng guī qú dàoofficial channelsnoun

Word lists with this word