Meaning & Usage
The N3 grammar pattern 「に関して」(ni kanshite) specifies the subject or topic an action or statement relates to. It's often translated as "regarding," "concerning," "in relation to," or "about." While it shares a similar core meaning with 「について」(ni tsuite), 「に関して」 conveys a distinctly more formal, objective, and often academic or professional tone. Consequently, you'll frequently encounter it in written Japanese – think news articles, official documents, research papers, and formal speeches – rather than in casual, everyday conversations.
Consider 「に関して」 a formal signpost. When you encounter it, the information that follows directly addresses or elaborates on the preceding noun. It precisely defines the discussion's scope, similar to phrases like "With respect to [Noun], ..." or "Regarding [Noun], ..." in English. This implies a deeper, more specific focus compared to the broader 「について」. For instance, a company might use it in an announcement: 「新製品の開発に関して、いくつかお知らせがあります」 (We have a few announcements regarding the development of new products), clearly indicating a formal and significant communication.
This formality makes 「に関して」 ideal for situations demanding precision and objectivity. In English, it often translates to "with regard to," "in connection with," or "as for." It helps define the discussion's specific point, ensuring the audience grasps the exact area of focus. You'll also find it useful when presenting findings or making statements that require gravitas and professionalism.
Given its formal tone, using 「に関して」 in casual settings can sound unnatural or overly stiff. For example, during a friendly chat about movies, 「この映画について話そう」 (Let's talk about this movie) is much more appropriate. Using 「この映画に関して話そう」 would imply a formal discussion or presentation, not a relaxed conversation.
Structure & Formation
The structure for 「に関して」 is straightforward, making it relatively easy to apply once its usage context is understood. It always directly follows a noun.
The basic formation is:
- Noun + に関して
This form is used when the phrase modifies the entire clause or sentence that follows it, stating what the entire statement is about. The noun specifies the topic of the following statement.
Examples:
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + に関して | 環境問題に関して議論する。 | To discuss environmental issues. |
You'll also find the nominalized form, 「に関する」. This version modifies a noun that directly follows it, essentially acting like an adjective. It describes the subsequent noun.
- Noun + に関する + Noun
Examples:
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + に関する + Noun | 科学に関する本。 | A book about science. |
Remember, 「に関して」 can only follow a noun. You cannot attach it directly to verbs or adjectives. If you need to discuss a verb or adjective as a topic, you would first need to nominalize it (e.g., turn it into a noun phrase, often by adding 「こと」). However, such usage is less common and can sound clunky; rephrasing the sentence is generally a better approach.
Example Sentences
新しい法律に関して、政府が声明を発表しました。
Atarashii houritsu ni kanshite, seifu ga seimei wo happyou shimashita.
The government issued a statement regarding the new law.
将来のキャリアに関して、先生に相談しました。
Shourai no kyaria ni kanshite, sensei ni soudan shimashita.
I consulted my teacher concerning my future career.
個人情報の保護に関して、厳重な対策が必要です。
Kojin jouhou no hogo ni kanshite, genjuu na taisaku ga hitsuyou desu.
Strict measures are necessary regarding the protection of personal information.
環境問題に関する調査結果が公開されました。
Kankyou mondai ni kansuru chousa kekka ga koukai saremashita.
The survey results concerning environmental issues have been released.
今回の事件に関して、警察が捜査を続けています。
Konkai no jiken ni kanshite, keisatsu ga sousa wo tsudzuketeimasu.
The police are continuing their investigation regarding this incident.
日本の歴史に関して、様々な本を読みました。
Nihon no rekishi ni kanshite, samazama na hon wo yomimashita.
I read various books concerning Japanese history.
給与に関しての質問は、人事部にお問い合わせください。
Kyuuyo ni kanshite no shitsumon wa, jinjibu ni otoiawase kudasai.
Please contact the HR department regarding questions about salary.
会社の将来に関して、真剣に考える必要がある。
Kaisha no shourai ni kanshite, shinken ni kangaeru hitsuyou ga aru.
We need to think seriously about the company's future.
健康に関する情報は、インターネットで簡単に手に入る。
Kenkō ni kansuru jōhō wa, intānetto de kantan ni te ni hairu.
Information regarding health is easily available on the internet.
彼の発言に関して、多くの批判があった。
Kare no hatsugen ni kanshite, ooku no hihan ga atta.
There was a lot of criticism concerning his statement.
国際関係に関する専門家の意見を聞いた。
Kokusai kankei ni kansuru senmonka no iken wo kiita.
I heard the opinions of experts regarding international relations.
地震に関する緊急ニュースが流れた。
Jishin ni kansuru kinkyuu nyūsu ga nagareta.
Emergency news regarding the earthquake was broadcast.
先生は試験に関して重要な点を説明した。
Sensei wa shiken ni kanshite juuyou na ten wo setsumei shita.
The teacher explained important points concerning the exam.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using 「に関して」 in casual conversation
❌ 友達と週末の予定に関して話した。
✅ 友達と週末の予定について話した。
Explanation: 「に関して」 is a formal expression. For casual settings, like discussing weekend plans with friends, 「について」 is the natural and appropriate choice. Using 「に関して」 here would sound overly formal and stiff.
Mistake 2: Confusing 「に関して」 with 「について」
❌ この本は日本の文化に関して書かれている論文です。
✅ この本は日本の文化に関する論文です。
Explanation: Both translate to "about" or "regarding," but 「に関して」 typically appears in more objective, formal discussions, often in writing. 「について」 is more general, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When modifying a noun, such as 「論文」, always use the attributive form 「に関する」.
Mistake 3: Incorrectly attaching to verbs or adjectives directly
❌ 彼が来るに関して、まだ連絡がない。
✅ 彼が来ることについて、まだ連絡がない。
Explanation: 「に関して」 must always follow a noun. If you want to use a verb or adjective as the topic, you need to nominalize it first, typically by adding 「こと」. Even then, 「について」 often sounds more natural than 「に関して」 for such nominalized clauses, especially in less formal situations.
Mistake 4: Redundancy with other topic markers
❌ この問題に関しては、私の意見です。
✅ この問題に関して、私の意見を述べます。
Explanation: Adding 「は」 after 「に関して」 can sometimes be redundant or awkward, particularly when the topic is already clearly introduced by 「に関して」. If your intent is to introduce the topic and then make a statement about it, 「に関して」 alone is often sufficient. While 「は」 can be added for contrastive emphasis, use it carefully to avoid awkward phrasing.
Cultural Notes
In Japanese society, grammar choice significantly influences the perceived formality and politeness of communication. 「に関して」 is a prime example of a grammar point that elevates the tone of discourse. Its use immediately signals the topic's importance—perhaps official, academic, or business-related. You'll frequently encounter it in formal business emails, official reports, academic presentations, and news broadcasts, where it serves as a hallmark of objective and impersonal communication.
Native speakers instinctively recognize this distinction. For example, a university professor might use 「研究テーマに関して」 when addressing students in a seminar, emphasizing the academic nature of the topic. Similarly, a government official would say 「政策に関して」 when discussing policies with the public. In contrast, casually chatting with friends about hobbies using 「に関して」 would sound out of place and overly formal, almost like giving a lecture instead of engaging in a relaxed conversation.
Understanding when and where to use 「に関して」 goes beyond mere grammatical correctness. It involves cultural sensitivity and mastering the subtle nuances of Japanese communication style. This reflects an awareness of the appropriate level of formality for a given situation, a value highly esteemed in Japanese culture.
JLPT Tips
Mastering 「に関して」 for the JLPT N3 exam involves several key strategies. First, pay close attention to the context where it appears. If you encounter it in a formal text—like a news report, an announcement, or an academic abstract—it's a strong indicator that 「に関して」 is the appropriate choice. Conversely, for dialogue or informal writing, it's usually not the best fit.
Secondly, be mindful of the difference between 「に関して」 and 「について」 in multiple-choice questions. While their meanings are similar, their level of formality is the crucial distinguishing factor. Remember that 「に関して」 emphasizes objectivity and a more serious tone, often used when presenting facts, research, or official statements. Practice identifying situations that demand a formal tone versus a more general one.
Thirdly, confirm that 「に関して」 always follows a noun. If you see it immediately after a verb or an adjective, it is almost certainly incorrect. In listening comprehension tasks, listen for the nuance in the speaker's tone and the overall situation. A professional setting, a lecture, or a formal announcement will often signal the use of 「に関して」. Finally, familiarize yourself with its attributive form, 「に関する」, which modifies a subsequent noun (e.g., 「〇〇に関する記事」 – an article regarding 〇〇). Regularly review example sentences from N3-level textbooks and practice materials to solidify your understanding of its proper application.