JLPT N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜について” and “に〜関して”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “〜について” and “〜に関かんして”
2. AについてB
3. Aに関かんしてB
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment

Q: What is the difference between “〜について” and “〜に関かんして”?

A: These two expressions are used when referring to the subject of actions such as talking, listening, thinking, writing, or researching.
While they can generally be used interchangeably, there are subtle nuances in their meanings.

AについてB (JLPT N3)

[Meaning]
A’s topic or subject is B

[Rule]　　
[N] Noun＋について
*When followed by a noun, it becomes “についてのN”.

[Point]
“につきまして” is also used as a more polite form of “について”.

[Examples]
次つぎのプロジェクトの予算よさんについて話はなしましょう。
Let’s talk about the budget for the next project.

弟おとうとは世界せかいの歴史れきしについて調しらべています。
My younger brother is researching world history.

今日きょうの授業じゅぎょうの内容ないようについて質問しつもんはありますか。
Do you have any questions about today’s lesson?

お金かねについてのアンケートに答こたえました。
I answered a survey about money.

Aに関してB (JLPT N3)

[Meaning]
A’s topic or subject is B

[Rule]　　
[N] Noun＋に関かんして
*When followed by a noun, it becomes “に関かんするN” or “に関かんしてのN”.

[Point]
・”に関かんしまして” is also used as a more polite form of “に関かんして”.
・The “て” in “に関かんして” can sometimes be omitted.

[Examples]
この問題もんだいに関かんしてもっと話はなしましょう。
Let’s talk more about this issue.

製品せいひんに関かんしてのご質問しつもんはこちらのメールにお問い合と　あわせください。
For questions regarding the product, please contact us at this email.

この映画えいがは日本にほんの歴史れきしに関かんする調しらべ方かたが十分じゅうぶんではないようです。
This movie seems to lack thorough research on Japanese history.

お金かねに関かんしての話はなしは難むずかしいです。
Discussions about money are difficult.

Let’s Compare

“AについてB” and “Aに関かんしてB” have almost the same meaning and can basically be used interchangeably. However, “Aに関かんしてB” is more formal and has a stiffer impression, and the range of the subject it refers to is often perceived to be broader.

[ＡについてＢ]

Topics or agenda items that become the focus of a conversation are often specifically highlighted.
It is widely used in both casual and business settings, and frequently in daily situations.

[Example]
次つぎのプロジェクトの予算よさんについて話はなしましょう。
Let’s talk about the budget for the next project.
⇒ We will talk specifically about the budget.
　　　　　　
Additionally, “AについてB” is used when there is a binary choice regarding a certain matter.

[Example]
(When asking whether it can be repaired or not)
すみません、ちょっと修理しゅうりについて質問しつもんがあるんですが。
Excuse me, I have a question about the repair.

(When discussing whether to quit or not)
両親りょうしんに会社かいしゃを辞やめるか続つづけるかについて相談そうだんをしました。
I consulted with my parents about whether to quit or continue at the company.

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[Ａに関かんしてＢ]

It is very formal and is used in business contexts.
The kanji “関” in this word is the same as in “関連かんれんする” (to be related) and “関係かんけいする” (to be connected), so compared to “について”, it is used not to limit the matter, but to address things related to the central matter.　
　
[Example]
日本にほん人じんは健康けんこうに関かんして高たかい関心かんしんがあります。
Japanese people have a high interest in health.
⇒ Related aspects such as diet and lifestyle concerning “health” are also addressed.

この事件じけんに関かんしてはまだわかっていないことが多おおいです。
There are still many unknowns regarding this incident.
⇒ It includes various aspects related to the incident.

Summary

[ＡについてＢ]

• It is frequently used in everyday situations and often highlights specific topics or subjects.
• This is used for topics involving a choice between two options.

[Aに関かんしてB]

• A formal and stiff expression.
• It is used when focusing on a particular matter and addressing related aspects.

Similar Articles

Comment for any questions!