In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes collectivism and group harmony over individualism, 合作 (hézuò) is a highly valued concept. It's not merely a transactional term for a project; it often implies the beginning or strengthening of a relationship (关系, guānxi). A key cultural concept closely tied to 合作 is 共赢 (gòngyíng), which means “win-win.” Successful cooperation is one where all parties benefit. This contrasts with some Western business mentalities that can be more zero-sum or “winner-takes-all.” When a Chinese company proposes 合作, they are often implicitly suggesting a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership, not just a one-off project. Failure to deliver on your end of the bargain isn't just a business failure; it can cause a loss of face (面子, miànzi) for both parties and damage the underlying relationship. Therefore, while “collaboration” in the West is functionally similar, 合作 in a Chinese context often carries a heavier weight of relational commitment and the expectation of achieving a “win-win” outcome for everyone involved.
合作 (hézuò) is a standard and frequently used term across various domains. Its formality depends on the context, but it is generally considered neutral to formal.