에 있어서

§ Understanding '에 있어서'

The Korean phrase '에 있어서' (pronounced: eh ee-sseo-seo) is a useful expression that helps you talk about things in terms of, concerning, or with regard to something specific. It's often used in more formal writing or speech, so you'll hear it in news reports, academic papers, or business discussions. While it might seem a bit long, breaking it down makes it easier to understand and use.

Think of '에 있어서' as a way to introduce the specific area or topic you are focusing on. It helps clarify what your statement is about. It's similar to saying "in terms of..." or "when it comes to..." in English.

Korean Word

에 있어서 (phrase)

CEFR Level

B2

Definition

In terms of, concerning; with regard to.

§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions

The basic structure for using '에 있어서' is quite straightforward. You attach it to a noun. The '에' is a particle that indicates location or a specific point, and '있어서' comes from the verb '있다' (to exist or be), meaning 'in being' or 'in existing'. Together, they frame the noun as the context for your statement.

The pattern is:

• Noun + 에 있어서

Let's look at some examples to see how this works in practice.

Translation hint: Regarding this problem, everyone's opinion is important.

Translation hint: In terms of that plan, there are a few points to consider.

Translation hint: Concerning education, I think investment is very important.

You might also see '에 있어서' combined with '는' (a topic particle). When '는' is added, it emphasizes the noun as the topic being discussed. For example, '이 문제에 있어서는' clearly marks 'this problem' as the focus of the statement.

• Noun + 에 있어서는

Here's an example with '는':

Translation hint: With regard to health management, regular exercise is essential.

It's important to remember that '에 있어서' is typically used when discussing abstract concepts, situations, or policies rather than concrete objects. For instance, you wouldn't usually say "apple에 있어서," but rather "economy에 있어서" or "policy에 있어서."

Another common use is when you want to express a viewpoint or opinion concerning a particular matter. It sets the stage for your subsequent statement.

Translation hint: In terms of future plans, a careful approach is necessary.

Keep practicing with different nouns to get comfortable using '에 있어서'. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel in your Korean conversations and writing.

§ Don't confuse it with '에 대해서'

Many learners mix up '에 있어서' with '에 대해서' (about, regarding). While both can introduce a topic, their nuances are different. '에 있어서' focuses on the aspect or perspective from which something is considered, often implying importance or relevance within that context. '에 대해서' is a more general 'about' or 'regarding,' simply stating the topic of discussion.

DEFINITION

에 있어서: In terms of, concerning; with regard to (emphasizing a specific aspect or perspective).

DEFINITION

에 대해서: About, regarding (simply stating the topic).

§ Overusing it in simple contexts

While '에 있어서' is useful for adding precision, it can sound overly formal or clunky if used in situations where a simpler particle or phrase would suffice. It's often used in more formal writing, speeches, or discussions that require a certain level of gravitas.

For example, if you just want to say 'in Korea,' you'd use '한국에서' (in Korea), not '한국에 있어서' (in terms of Korea).

• Correct:

  한국에서 살아요. (I live in Korea.)

• Awkward/Incorrect:

  한국에 있어서 살아요. (I live in terms of Korea. - *This sounds unnatural.*)

§ Not understanding its connection to importance or significance

'에 있어서' often implies that the preceding noun is a significant factor or context. It's not just a casual mention. When you use it, you're usually highlighting that something is important *within that specific context*.

§ Incorrectly attaching it to verbs or adjectives directly

'에 있어서' follows nouns or nominalized clauses (V-는 것/N). You can't just stick it onto a verb stem or an adjective stem. If you want to use a verb or adjective, you need to turn it into a noun form first.

• Correct:

  건강에 있어서는 규칙적인 운동이 필수입니다. (In terms of health, regular exercise is essential.)

  한국어를 배우는 것에 있어서 제일 어려운 점은 발음입니다. (In learning Korean, the most difficult part is pronunciation. - *Here, '배우는 것' (the act of learning) is a nominalized verb.*)

• Incorrect:

  어렵에 있어서... (This is grammatically wrong.)

§ Redundancy with similar expressions

Sometimes learners might use '에 있어서' where another expression already conveys a similar meaning, making the sentence redundant or unnecessarily long. Always consider if a simpler, more direct particle or phrase would work better.

For example, '에 대한' (regarding, about) or even just plain particles like '에' (to, at) or '으로' (as) can sometimes replace '에 있어서' depending on the exact nuance.