交际 (jiāo jì) literally combines 交 (jiāo), meaning 'to interact' or 'to exchange', and 际 (jì), meaning 'boundary' or 'contact point'. Together, they form a noun meaning 'socializing' or 'interpersonal relations' — the process of interacting with others in daily life, work, or formal settings. It emphasizes purposeful, often skill-based interaction aimed at building or maintaining relationships.

This word is commonly used in contexts like social skills training, workplace communication, or cultural adaptation. While it can refer to casual chatting, it more often implies intentional, functional interaction — for example, networking at a conference or navigating office dynamics. It’s slightly more formal than everyday terms like 聊天 (liáo tiān, 'to chat') and carries connotations of competence, etiquette, and mutual benefit.