〜について
This particle means 'about' or 'concerning' and tells you what topic something is related to.
Explanation at your level:
Hi there! Let's learn a new Japanese word: 〜について (ni tsuite). This is like saying 'about' in English. When you want to talk about something, you use this word. For example, if you want to talk about your cat, you say 'My cat about...' (Watashi no neko ni tsuite...). It helps people know what you are talking about. It's a very useful word for talking about things!
The Japanese particle 〜について (ni tsuite) is used to specify the topic you are discussing. Think of it as the English 'about' or 'regarding'. You place it after the noun that is the subject of your conversation or thought. For instance, if you want to ask 'What about the weather?', you would say 'Weather about...' (Tenki ni tsuite...). It helps make your sentences clear and easy to understand for others.
〜について (ni tsuite) is a fundamental Japanese particle phrase used to indicate the subject matter of a discussion, thought, or action. It translates to 'about', 'concerning', or 'regarding' in English. You'll commonly use it with verbs like 'to speak' (話す - hanasu), 'to think' (考える - kangaeru), or 'to research' (調べる - shiraberu). For example, この映画について話しましょう (Kono eiga ni tsuite hanashimashou) means 'Let's talk about this movie.' It's essential for structuring your thoughts and conveying information precisely.
The Japanese particle phrase 〜について (ni tsuite) serves to introduce the topic or subject of discourse. It functions similarly to 'regarding', 'concerning', or 'in relation to' in English, often carrying a slightly more formal or academic tone than simpler topic markers. It's frequently used in contexts requiring detailed explanation or investigation, such as 〜について説明する (ni tsuite setsumei suru - to explain about...) or 〜について議論する (ni tsuite giron suru - to discuss about...). Understanding its nuances helps in grasping the precise focus of a statement.
〜について (ni tsuite) is a versatile postpositional phrase marker that precisely delineates the subject of discussion, contemplation, or inquiry. While often translated as 'about', its usage can imply a more thorough examination or consideration than a simple topic marker. It is particularly prevalent in formal writing, academic discourse, and detailed explanations, signifying a focused exploration of a particular theme. Consider its use in phrases like 〜についての考察 (ni tsuite no kousatsu - an examination/consideration regarding...) or 〜についての報告 (ni tsuite no houkoku - a report concerning...). Its presence signals a deliberate engagement with the stated topic.
The particle phrase 〜について (ni tsuite) represents a sophisticated grammatical tool for thematic specification in Japanese. Its etymological roots suggest a notion of 'attachment' or 'conjunction' to a specific point, lending it a sense of focused relevance. Beyond its common translations ('about', 'regarding'), it can imply a depth of engagement, ranging from casual mention to in-depth analysis, depending on the accompanying verb and context. In advanced contexts, it might be juxtaposed with other topic markers to create subtle distinctions in emphasis or scope. Mastery involves recognizing its role in structuring complex arguments and understanding the precise intellectual or communicative territory being mapped out by the speaker or writer.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 〜について means 'about' or 'concerning' a topic.
- It follows the noun or noun phrase that is the subject matter.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'talk', 'think', 'research'.
- It's a versatile particle suitable for most situations.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese particle 〜について (ni tsuite). Think of it as your go-to phrase when you want to say 'about' or 'concerning' something. It's like pointing a spotlight on a topic, letting everyone know exactly what you're focusing on. Whether you're discussing a book, sharing information, or asking a question, 〜について helps clarify the subject matter.
Imagine you're telling a friend about a movie you saw. You wouldn't just say 'I saw it!' You'd probably say, 'I saw a movie about superheroes.' In Japanese, you'd use 〜について to mark that 'superheroes' part. It's incredibly versatile and pops up in all sorts of sentences, from casual chats to more formal presentations. Mastering this particle will seriously boost your ability to express yourself clearly in Japanese!
So, remember, whenever you need to specify the topic you're talking, thinking, or learning about, 〜について is your best friend. It brings clarity and focus to your Japanese sentences, making your communication much more effective. Let's explore how it works and how you can use it like a pro!
The particle 〜について is actually a combination of the particle に (ni), which often indicates direction or target, and the noun つき (tsuki), meaning 'attachment' or 'conjunction'. So, literally, you could think of it as something 'attached to' or 'in conjunction with' a specific point (に).
Over time, this combination evolved into a fixed phrase that functions as a grammatical unit, much like 'because of' or 'in order to'. The noun 'tsuki' itself has roots in older Japanese verbs related to 'sticking' or 'being attached'. This gives us a sense of how the topic becomes 'attached' to the rest of the sentence.
While the exact historical timeline is complex, 〜について became a standard way to express 'about' or 'regarding' in Japanese, distinguishing itself from other topic markers like は (wa) or が (ga) by specifically highlighting the *subject* of information or discussion. It's a testament to how language evolves, with grammatical elements combining and solidifying their meaning through common usage.
The primary role of 〜について is to introduce the topic of a sentence. It follows the noun or noun phrase that represents the subject matter. For example, Nについて話す (N ni tsuite hanasu) means 'to talk about N'. It's crucial for specifying what an action, thought, or statement pertains to.
You'll often see it paired with verbs like 話す (hanasu - to speak), 考える (kangaeru - to think), 調べる (shiraberu - to investigate/research), 聞く (kiku - to hear/ask), 書く (kaku - to write), and 学ぶ (manabu - to learn). These verbs naturally lend themselves to having a specific topic.
Formal vs. Casual: 〜について is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual, rapid speech among close friends, you might sometimes hear it shortened or replaced, but it's always safe and appropriate to use. For instance, instead of この本について話しましょう (Kono hon ni tsuite hanashimashou - Let's talk about this book), you might hear a very casual 'Kono hon, ne?' (This book, yeah?) with the topic implied by context. However, 〜について provides unambiguous clarity.
While 〜について is a grammatical particle and not typically part of idiomatic expressions in the same way a verb might be, it's fundamental to many common phrases and sentence structures that function *like* idioms in conveying specific meanings.
Here are some common patterns and expressions where 〜について is key:
- 〜について話す (ni tsuite hanasu): To talk about something. This is the most direct usage. Example: 昨日の会議について話しましょう。 (Kinou no kaigi ni tsuite hanashimashou.) - Let's talk about yesterday's meeting.
- 〜について考える (ni tsuite kangaeru): To think about something. This expresses contemplation or consideration. Example: 将来について考えています。(Shourai ni tsuite kangaete imasu.) - I am thinking about the future.
- 〜について調べる (ni tsuite shiraberu): To research or investigate something. Used when gathering information. Example: この問題について詳しく調べました。(Kono mondai ni tsuite kuwashiku shirabemashita.) - I researched this problem in detail.
- 〜について聞く (ni tsuite kiku): To ask about or hear about something. Example: 彼の健康について聞きましたか？(Kare no kenkou ni tsuite kikimashita ka?) - Did you hear about his health?
- 〜について書く (ni tsuite kaku): To write about something. Common in academic or journalistic contexts. Example: 先生は新しいテーマについて書くように言いました。(Sensei wa atarashii teema ni tsuite kaku you ni iimashita.) - The teacher told us to write about a new theme.
- 〜について学ぶ (ni tsuite manabu): To learn about something. Essential for education. Example: 日本の歴史について学びたいです。(Nihon no rekishi ni tsuite manabitai desu.) - I want to learn about Japanese history.
These aren't 'idioms' in the sense of having a figurative meaning different from their literal components, but they are fixed expressions that are vital for fluent communication.
Grammar: 〜について is a particle phrase that follows a noun or noun phrase. It doesn't change form and functions consistently across different grammatical structures. It's not directly related to plurals, articles (which Japanese doesn't use in the same way as English), or verb conjugations itself, but it attaches to nouns that are part of sentences with these elements.
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is straightforward. It's broken down as ni-tsu-i-te. Each syllable is pronounced clearly.
- ni: Like the English word 'knee'.
- tsu: Similar to the 'ts' sound in 'cats', but with a vowel sound like 'oo' in 'book'.
- i: Like the 'ee' in 'see'.
- te: Like the English word 'teh' (as in 'ten').
Putting it together: nee-tsoo-ee-teh. There isn't a strong stress on any particular syllable; it's relatively flat. Native speakers might slightly emphasize the 'tsu' sound. There are no common rhyming words for this specific particle phrase as it's a functional grammatical unit.
Fun Fact
The noun 'tsuki' (付き) comes from the verb 'tsuku' (付く), which means 'to attach' or 'to stick'. So, 〜について literally suggests that the topic is 'stuck onto' or 'attached to' the rest of the sentence's meaning.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'nee-tsoo-ee-teh', with a relatively flat intonation across the syllables.
Similar to British pronunciation, 'nee-tsoo-ee-teh', with a clear articulation of each sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'tsu' too sharply, like the English 'ts' in 'cats', without a clear vowel.
- Adding unnecessary stress to one syllable over others.
- Merging the sounds together too much, making it hard to distinguish the syllables.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read once the structure is understood.
Straightforward to use correctly.
Easy to pronounce and integrate into speech.
Clearly identifiable in spoken Japanese.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles in Japanese
Understanding the function of particles like に, は, が, を is crucial for using 〜について correctly.
Noun Phrases
〜について often follows a noun phrase, so understanding how to form these is important.
Verb Conjugation
The meaning of 〜について is often clarified by the verb that follows it (e.g., 話す, 考える).
Examples by Level
これについて話しましょう。
This about let's talk.
〜について marks the topic of discussion.
犬について知っていますか？
Dog about do you know?
The noun 'dog' is the topic.
本について聞きたいです。
Book about want to ask.
〜について specifies what the question is about.
この歌についてどう思いますか？
This song about what do you think?
Asking for an opinion on a specific topic.
猫について話しましょう。
Cat about let's talk.
Topic is 'cat'.
天気について教えてください。
Weather about please tell me.
Requesting information about the weather.
新しいゲームについて話しています。
New game about are talking.
The topic is the new game.
この絵についてどう思いますか？
This picture about what do you think?
Asking for an opinion on the painting.
そのニュースについて、もっと詳しく教えてください。
That news about, more in detail please tell me.
〜について specifies the subject of the request for details.
先生は新しいプロジェクトについて説明しました。
Teacher new project about explained.
The explanation is focused on the 'new project'.
この本について、あなたの意見を聞かせてください。
This book about, your opinion please let me hear.
Asking for an opinion specifically related to the book.
家族の健康について心配しています。
Family's health about am worried.
The worry is directed towards the topic of family health.
明日の会議について、何か決まりましたか？
Tomorrow's meeting about, anything decided?
Inquiring about decisions related to the meeting.
この問題について、解決策を探しています。
This problem about, solution am searching for.
The search for a solution is focused on this specific problem.
最近の出来事について、友人と話しました。
Recent events about, with a friend talked.
The conversation topic was recent events.
この映画のテーマについて、深く考えさせられました。
This movie's theme about, deeply made me think.
The movie's theme prompted deep thought.
その新しい法律について、専門家は何とコメントしていますか？
That new law about, experts what are commenting?
Focuses the inquiry on expert opinions regarding the law.
彼は自分の将来について、非常に楽観的です。
He his future about, very optimistic is.
Specifies the subject of his optimism.
この研究は、地域経済の活性化について調査しています。
This research, local economy's revitalization about is investigating.
The research topic is clearly defined as economic revitalization.
彼女のスピーチは、環境問題について非常に説得力がありました。
Her speech, environmental issues about very persuasive was.
Highlights the subject matter that made the speech convincing.
この件について、早急な対応が必要です。
This matter about, urgent response is necessary.
Emphasizes the need for action concerning a specific issue.
私たちは、持続可能な開発について議論しました。
We, sustainable development about discussed.
The topic of discussion is sustainable development.
その作家は、人間の心理について深い洞察を提供しています。
That author, human psychology about deep insight is providing.
The author's insights are focused on human psychology.
この提案について、さらに検討する時間をください。
This proposal about, further consideration time please give.
Requests additional time specifically for reviewing the proposal.
その作家の最新作は、現代社会における孤独の問題について深く掘り下げている。
That author's latest work, modern society in loneliness's problem about deeply is delving.
Indicates a deep exploration of a specific social issue within the work.
この報告書は、気候変動が地域経済に与える影響について包括的な分析を提供している。
This report, climate change local economy on gives impact about comprehensive analysis is providing.
The analysis presented specifically concerns the impact of climate change.
政府は、国民の安全保障について新たな政策を発表した。
Government, citizens' security about new policy announced.
The policy announcement is focused on the topic of national security.
彼の講演は、人工知能の倫理的な側面について、聴衆に多くの示唆を与えた。
His lecture, artificial intelligence's ethical aspects about, to the audience much suggestion gave.
The lecture's impact stems from its focus on the ethical dimensions of AI.
この歴史的文書は、当時の政治的状況について貴重な情報源となっている。
This historical document, that era's political situation about valuable information source has become.
The document's value lies in the information it provides about a specific historical context.
私たちは、このプロジェクトの長期的な持続可能性について、慎重に検討する必要がある。
We, this project's long-term sustainability about, carefully consider need to.
Emphasizes the need for careful deliberation regarding the project's future viability.
彼女の研究は、都市化が生物多様性に及ぼす影響について、新たな視点を提示している。
Her research, urbanization biodiversity on exerts influence about, new perspective is presenting.
The research offers a novel viewpoint on the relationship between urbanization and biodiversity.
この小説は、記憶の不確かさと、それが人間のアイデンティティにどう影響するかについて探求している。
This novel, memory's uncertainty and, it human identity on how influences about is exploring.
The novel's narrative explores the themes of memory's fallibility and its impact on identity.
当該論文は、量子コンピューティングの理論的基盤について、既存のパラダイムを覆す可能性のある考察を展開している。
The paper in question, quantum computing's theoretical foundations about, existing paradigms overturn potential having considerations is unfolding.
Signifies a deep dive into the fundamental principles of quantum computing, potentially challenging established theories.
彼の芸術作品は、ポストコロニアル社会における文化混淆の複雑性について、多層的な問いを投げかけている。
His artworks, postcolonial societies in cultural hybridity's complexity about, multi-layered questions are posing.
The artwork prompts complex questions about the multifaceted nature of cultural mixing in postcolonial contexts.
この法案は、プライバシー権と公共の安全との間のデリケートな均衡について、新たな法的枠組みを提案するものである。
This bill, privacy rights and public safety between delicate balance about, new legal framework is proposing.
The legislation aims to establish a new legal structure for balancing privacy and public safety concerns.
その哲学者は、実存的不安の根源について、既存の解釈に異議を唱える独自の理論を提唱した。
That philosopher, existential anxiety's roots about, existing interpretations challenge unique theory proposed.
The philosopher presents a novel theory challenging conventional understandings of existential dread.
この分析は、グローバル化が地域文化の均質化に与える影響について、詳細な実証データに基づいている。
This analysis, globalization local cultures' homogenization on gives impact about, detailed empirical data is based on.
The analysis relies on concrete evidence to examine globalization's effect on cultural uniformity.
会議では、再生可能エネルギーへの移行に伴う経済的・社会的な課題について、多角的な視点から議論が交わされた。
In the conference, renewable energy towards transition accompanying economic and social challenges about, from multifaceted perspectives discussion was exchanged.
The discussions covered various economic and social issues related to shifting to renewable energy.
彼女の文学批評は、物語における語りの構造と、それが読者の認識に及ぼす潜在的な影響について、鋭い洞察を示している。
Her literary criticism, narratives in narration's structure and, it reader's perception on exerts potential influence about, sharp insight is showing.
Her criticism offers keen insights into narrative construction and its cognitive effects on readers.
この研究プロジェクトは、人間の意識の神経生物学的相関物について、未解明な領域に光を当てることを目指している。
This research project, human consciousness's neurobiological correlates about, unknown areas light to shine aims.
The project seeks to illuminate the neural underpinnings of consciousness, exploring uncharted territory.
当該論考は、形而上学における実体論の変遷について、西洋哲学史における通説的解釈に挑戦する大胆な再読を試みている。
The treatise in question, metaphysics in substance theory's transitions about, Western philosophy history in conventional interpretive approaches challenge bold rereading is attempting.
This work undertakes a provocative reinterpretation of substance theory's evolution in Western metaphysics, questioning established scholarship.
彼の叙述は、近代化の過程における伝統的共同体の解体と、それに伴うアイデンティティの再編成について、類稀なる洞察力をもって描き出している。
His narrative, modernization's process in traditional communities' dissolution and, accompanying identity's reorganization about, rare insight with is depicting.
His account masterfully illustrates the disintegration of traditional communities during modernization and the subsequent reconstruction of identity.
本稿は、国際関係論におけるパワー・バランス理論の射程と限界について、歴史的・理論的両面から批判的検討を加えるものである。
This paper, international relations theory in power balance theory's scope and limits about, historical and theoretical both aspects from critical examination adds.
This article critically examines the applicability and constraints of power balance theory in international relations from historical and theoretical perspectives.
その批評理論は、表象（レプレゼンテーション）の政治性について、記号論的アプローチを援用しつつ、現代文化における権力構造の隠蔽と露呈を解明しようと試みる。
That critical theory, representation's politics about, semiotic approaches utilizing while, contemporary culture in power structures' concealment and exposure elucidate attempts.
Employing semiotic analysis, this critical theory seeks to elucidate the concealment and revelation of power structures within contemporary culture, focusing on the politics of representation.
この民族誌学的研究は、辺境地域における言語接触のダイナミズムと、それが地域社会の文化変容に及ぼす長期的影響について、詳細なフィールドワークに基づき論じている。
This ethnographic study, remote regions in language contact's dynamics and, it local communities' cultural transformation on exerts long-term influence about, detailed fieldwork based on argues.
Based on extensive fieldwork, this ethnography discusses the dynamics of language contact in peripheral regions and its enduring impact on societal cultural shifts.
我々の分析は、認知的不協和の解消メカニズムについて、神経科学的知見と行動経済学の理論的枠組みを統合し、新たなモデルを提示するものである。
Our analysis, cognitive dissonance's resolution mechanisms about, neuroscientific findings and behavioral economics' theoretical framework integrate, new model is presenting.
This analysis integrates neuroscientific insights with behavioral economics to propose a novel model for understanding cognitive dissonance resolution.
その文学史的考察は、近代小説における語り手の信頼性という問題圏について、テクスト論的および心理分析的観点から包括的な再評価を行っている。
That literary-historical consideration, modern novels in narrator's reliability that issue area about, textual and psychoanalytic perspectives from comprehensive re-evaluation is conducting.
This literary-historical study offers a comprehensive reassessment of narrator reliability in modern fiction, drawing on textual and psychoanalytic viewpoints.
本研究は、複雑系科学の視座から、生態系における相互依存関係の創発的性質と、それがシステム全体の安定性に与える影響について、数理モデルを用いて解明を試みる。
This research, complex systems science's viewpoint from, ecosystems in interdependent relationships' emergent properties and, it system's overall stability on exerts influence about, mathematical models using elucidation attempts.
Utilizing mathematical models from the perspective of complex systems science, this research endeavors to elucidate the emergent properties of interdependence in ecosystems and their effect on overall system stability.
Common Collocations
Easily Confused
Both mark topics in a sentence.
は is a general topic marker, indicating what the sentence is about. 〜について specifically introduces the subject matter that is the focus of an action, thought, or discussion, often implying a deeper dive or specific information.
私は学生です。(Watashi wa gakusei desu.) - I am a student. (Topic: I). 日本について勉強します。(Nihon ni tsuite benkyou shimasu.) - I study about Japan. (Topic of study: Japan).
Both can mark the subject of a verb.
が typically marks the grammatical subject, especially when it's new information or the focus of the sentence. 〜について marks the *topic* of an action like talking or thinking, not necessarily the grammatical subject of the sentence itself.
猫が好きです。(Neko ga suki desu.) - I like cats. (Subject of liking: cats). 猫について話しましょう。(Neko ni tsuite hanashimashou.) - Let's talk about cats. (Topic of talking: cats).
Both can refer to a topic or subject.
〜のこと is generally more casual and softer, often used when talking about people or personal matters. It can mean 'the matter of' or 'the story of'. 〜について is more direct and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to specify the subject of discussion or thought.
田中さんのこと、どう思いますか？(Tanaka-san no koto, dou omoimasu ka?) - What do you think about Tanaka? (Casual). 田中さんについて、いくつか質問があります。(Tanaka-san ni tsuite, ikutsuka shitsumon ga arimasu.) - I have a few questions about Tanaka. (More direct/formal).
Both mean 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
〜に関して is often considered slightly more formal and is frequently used in written documents and official statements. 〜について is more broadly applicable and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
この件に関して、詳細をお送りします。(Kono ken ni kanshite, shousai o ookuri shimasu.) - Regarding this matter, I will send details. (Formal). この件について、詳しく話しましょう。(Kono ken ni tsuite, kuwashiku hanashimashou.) - Let's talk about this matter in detail. (Neutral).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + について + Verb (e.g., 話す, 考える, 調べる)
この本について読みました。(Kono hon ni tsuite yomimashita.) - I read about this book.
Noun + についての + Noun
日本についての本を買いました。(Nihon ni tsuite no hon o kaimashita.) - I bought a book about Japan.
Noun + については (contrast/emphasis)
宿題については終わりましたが、復習はまだです。(Shukudai ni tsuite wa owarimashita ga, fukushuu wa mada desu.) - As for the homework, I finished it, but I haven't reviewed yet.
Question Word + について + Verb?
この問題について、何を知っていますか？(Kono mondai ni tsuite, nani o shitte imasu ka?) - What do you know about this problem?
Noun + について + 言及する/触れる (genkyuu suru / fureru)
彼はその計画についてほとんど触れなかった。(Kare wa sono keikaku ni tsuite hotondo furenakatta.) - He hardly touched upon the plan.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It sounds unnatural. For existence, just use 'there is a room' (部屋があります - heya ga arimasu). 〜について implies a focus of discussion or thought.
For example, 'Watashi wa gakusei desu' (I am a student) uses は for the topic 'I'. 'Sakana ga tabetai' (I want to eat fish) uses が for the subject 'fish' of the verb 'want to eat'. But 'Sakana ni tsuite hanashimashou' (Let's talk about fish) uses にについて to specify the topic of talking.
〜について functions as a unit. ついて alone doesn't carry the same grammatical meaning in this context. Always use にについて.
For example, if someone asks 'What did you do yesterday?', you might just say 'Eiga o mimashita' (I watched a movie) instead of 'Kinou no koto ni tsuite, eiga o mimashita' (About yesterday, I watched a movie), unless you want to emphasize the 'yesterday' part.
Here, 'Nihon ni tsuite no hon' (a book about Japan) acts as the object of 'yomimashita' (read). You wouldn't say 'Nihon ni tsuite yomimashita' (I read about Japan) if you meant you read a specific book *on the topic* of Japan.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a library. Each book represents a topic. When you want to talk *about* a book, you go to that specific shelf. 'Ni' points to the shelf, 'tsuite' is the book you're taking down to discuss.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 〜について in news reports when they introduce a topic, in classrooms when teachers explain subjects, and in conversations when friends share information or opinions about specific things.
Cultural Insight
Japanese communication often values clarity about the topic. Using 〜について shows you are being precise about what you are discussing, which is appreciated.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of 〜について as a 'topic tag'. It's like putting a label on what you're talking about, making it easy for the listener to follow.
Say It Right
Focus on saying each syllable clearly: ni - tsu - i - te. Avoid rushing or blending them too much. A steady pace helps clarity.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 〜について with verbs like 'iru' (to exist) or 'aru' (to exist). It's not a grammatical fit. Use simple sentence structures instead.
Did You Know?
The noun 'tsuki' (付き) used in 〜について is the same 'tsuki' found in words like '付き合い' (tsukiai - association) and '付き添い' (tsukisoi - accompaniment), all related to the idea of connection or being together with something.
Study Smart
When you encounter a new Japanese sentence, identify the noun before 〜について. Ask yourself: 'What is this sentence *about*?' This reinforces the particle's function.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Learn common verbs that pair with 〜について. Creating flashcards with phrases like '〜について話す', '〜について考える' will help you internalize these useful collocations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'ni' as pointing *to* a topic, and 'tsuite' sounding like 'sweet', as in 'it's sweet to talk *about* something you like!'
Visual Association
Imagine a magnifying glass hovering over a specific word or concept on a page, highlighting it as the subject of discussion.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing your favorite hobby using 〜について at least three times in a short paragraph.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The phrase originates from the particle に (ni) combined with the noun つき (tsuki), meaning 'attachment' or 'conjunction'. It literally implies something 'attached to' or 'in conjunction with' a specific point or topic.
Cultural Context
No specific cultural sensitivity issues are associated with this particle itself.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'about' is fundamental to expressing topics. The directness and frequency of 〜について in Japanese mirror this importance.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school/University
- 授業についていけない (jugyou ni tsuite ikenai) - Cannot keep up with the class
- レポートについて質問があります (repooto ni tsuite shitsumon ga arimasu) - I have a question about the report
- このテーマについて研究しています (kono teema ni tsuite kenkyuu shite imasu) - I am researching this theme
At work/Business
- 会議についてのお知らせ (kaigi ni tsuite no oshirase) - Notice regarding the meeting
- この件について、ご相談があります (kono ken ni tsuite, go-soudan ga arimasu) - I would like to consult with you about this matter
- プロジェクトの進捗について報告します (purojekuto no shinchoku ni tsuite houkoku shimasu) - I will report on the project's progress
Daily Conversation
- 週末について話しましょう (shuumatsu ni tsuite hanashimashou) - Let's talk about the weekend
- あなたの趣味について教えてください (anata no shumi ni tsuite oshiete kudasai) - Please tell me about your hobby
- このニュースについてどう思いますか？ (kono nyuusu ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?) - What do you think about this news?
News & Media
- 事件について報道されています (jiken ni tsuite houdou sarete imasu) - It is being reported about the incident
- 最新の動向について解説します (saishin no doukou ni tsuite kaisetsu shimasu) - We will explain the latest trends
- 専門家の見解について (senmonka no kenkai ni tsuite) - Regarding expert opinions
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か面白いことについて聞きましたか？"
"この新しいレストランについて、どう思いますか？"
"あなたの国の文化について、少し教えてください。"
"週末の予定について、何か計画はありますか？"
"今、一番興味があることについて話しましょう。"
Journal Prompts
今日あった一番大切なことについて書いてください。
あなたの将来の夢について、詳しく説明してください。
最近読んだ本や見た映画について、感想を書いてみましょう。
あなたが今、一番感謝していることについて、理由と共に書き留めてください。
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsは (wa) marks the general topic of the sentence, while 〜について specifically introduces the subject matter that is being discussed, thought about, or investigated. For example, 'Watashi wa...' (As for me...) vs. 'Kono ken ni tsuite...' (Regarding this matter...).
It's most commonly used with verbs related to speaking, thinking, researching, writing, learning, and discussing. While technically possible with others, it sounds most natural with these types of verbs.
It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's always safe to use in most situations. For very casual speech, 〜のこと (no koto) might be used, and for very formal situations, 〜につきまして (ni tsukimashite) is preferred.
It means 'about', 'concerning', or 'regarding' a specific topic or subject.
Place it after the noun or noun phrase that represents the topic. For example: 'N + について + Verb'.
Yes, overuse in very casual contexts or with verbs that don't naturally take a topic (like simple existence verbs) can sound unnatural.
Both mean 'regarding' or 'concerning'. 〜に関して is often considered slightly more formal and is frequently used in written documents and official statements. 〜について is more broadly applicable.
Yes, absolutely. For example: 'この件について、どう思いますか？' (Kono ken ni tsuite, dou omoimasu ka? - What do you think about this matter?).
Test Yourself
これは ___ についての本です。
〜について is used here to indicate the topic of the book ('a book about cats').
What does 〜について mean in this sentence: 「旅行について話しましょう。」(Ryokou ni tsuite hanashimashou.)
旅行 (ryokou) means 'trip', and 〜について marks it as the topic of discussion.
The particle 〜について is mainly used to express direct commands.
〜について is used to indicate the topic of discussion, thought, or action, not primarily for commands.
Word
Meaning
These pairs show common verbs used with 〜について to specify the subject of the action.
The correct order is 'この映画について話しましょう' (Kono eiga ni tsuite hanashimashou), meaning 'Let's talk about this movie'.
この問題 ___ 解決策を探しています。
〜について is needed here to indicate that the search for a solution is specifically about 'this problem'.
Which phrase best captures the nuance of 「〜についての考察」?
考察 (kousatsu) implies a deeper level of study or contemplation than a simple thought or opinion.
Create a sentence using 〜について to discuss the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
This sentence correctly uses 〜について to specify the topic of discussion (ethical implications of AI).
あなたの名前 ___ 教えてください。
While 'Anata no namae o oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me your name) is common, if you want to be specific about *what* you want to be told about (i.e., the topic of their name), 'Anata no namae ni tsuite oshiete kudasai' is also possible, though less common for simple requests.
In academic writing, 〜につきまして (ni tsukimashite) is often preferred over 〜について for introducing the main subject of a research paper.
〜につきまして is a more formal and polite expression suitable for academic and business contexts.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 〜について to clearly indicate the specific topic you are discussing, thinking about, or investigating.
- 〜について means 'about' or 'concerning' a topic.
- It follows the noun or noun phrase that is the subject matter.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'talk', 'think', 'research'.
- It's a versatile particle suitable for most situations.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a library. Each book represents a topic. When you want to talk *about* a book, you go to that specific shelf. 'Ni' points to the shelf, 'tsuite' is the book you're taking down to discuss.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 〜について in news reports when they introduce a topic, in classrooms when teachers explain subjects, and in conversations when friends share information or opinions about specific things.
Cultural Insight
Japanese communication often values clarity about the topic. Using 〜について shows you are being precise about what you are discussing, which is appreciated.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of 〜について as a 'topic tag'. It's like putting a label on what you're talking about, making it easy for the listener to follow.
Example
日本の文化について学びたい。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
抽象的な
B1Abstract
