The character 系 has two primary pronunciations that change its meaning and usage entirely.
1. The “System” and “Connection” Meaning
2. The “Tying” Meaning
The concept of 系 (xì) is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, reflecting a society that places high value on structure, relationships, and collective identity. Its most significant cultural manifestation is in the word 关系 (guānxi), which means “relationship” or “connections.” While Western culture has “networking,” `guānxi` is a much deeper system of mutual obligation, trust, and favor that influences business, social life, and even politics. The 系 (xì) in `guānxi` is that very link or tie between people. We can also see this cultural value in the university system. In the US, a student has a “major.” In China, a student belongs to a department (系, xì). This isn't just a field of study; it's an identity. You are a “student of the Chinese Department” (`中文系的学生`). This fosters a strong sense of community, collective responsibility, and shared identity among classmates and professors, much like an extended academic family. This contrasts with the more individualistic approach in many Western universities where a student's “major” is a more personal choice and less of a group identity.
Understanding when to use xì versus jì is crucial for sounding natural.
This is the most common pronunciation you'll encounter in modern vocabulary.
This pronunciation is used only for the physical verb “to tie.”