Formal 'About' (-에 관하여)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -에 관하여 to express 'about' or 'regarding' a specific topic in formal writing or speech.
- Attach to nouns: 'Topic + 에 관하여' (e.g., '그 문제에 관하여').
- Use in formal contexts: Ideal for reports, presentations, and academic writing.
- Interchangeable: Can be replaced by -에 대하여 in most formal situations.
Overview
In Korean, the expression -에 관하여 (romanization: -e gwanhayeo) signifies 'concerning,' 'regarding,' or 'about.' Derived from the Hanja {關 (관, gwan), meaning 'relation' or 'connection'}, it is a highly formal postpositional phrase. Its primary function is to introduce a topic of discussion, investigation, or official communication with a distinct tone of objectivity and seriousness. Unlike its more common counterparts, -에 관하여 is reserved for contexts demanding a high degree of formality, precision, and often, an impersonal perspective.
It implicitly signals that the information presented about the topic is structured, authoritative, and typically the result of deliberate thought or research.
While English often uses 'about' across various registers, Korean maintains a clear distinction. The choice of expression—whether -에 관하여, -에 대해(서), or -에 대하여—reflects the speaker's relationship to the topic, the audience, and the overall communicative intent. For B2 learners, mastering -에 관하여 is crucial for navigating academic texts, professional documents, news reports, and formal speeches, enabling a deeper understanding of Korean communication and allowing you to articulate complex ideas with appropriate gravitas.
It elevates your expression from casual commentary to informed discourse, equipping you to engage with topics that require a measured, considered approach.
How This Grammar Works
-에 관하여 is fundamentally a derivative of the verb 관하다 (to be related to, to concern). In Korean, verbs can be transformed into various grammatical functions, including adverbial phrases (modifying verbs) and adnominal phrases (modifying nouns). -에 관하여 and -에 관한 are precisely these transformations.- 1
-에 관하여(Adverbial Form): This form functions as an adverbial phrase, typically preceding and modifying a verb or a clause that describes an action or statement about the preceding noun. It means 'concerning [noun],' 'regarding [noun],' or 'about [noun].' The structureNoun + 에 관하여 + Verb/Clauseindicates that the action or statement is performed with the noun as its subject or focus of concern. This form maintains an active sense of 'doing something concerning' the topic.
환경 문제에 관하여 논의하다.(To discuss concerning environmental issues.)연구 결과에 관하여 발표할 예정이다.(I plan to present regarding the research results.)해당 사안에 관하여 법적 검토를 진행 중입니다.(Legal review is underway regarding the matter.)
- 1
-에 관한(Adnominal/Adjectival Form): This form functions as an adnominal phrase, directly preceding and modifying a subsequent noun. It effectively turns the phraseNoun + 에 관한into an adjective meaning 'related to [noun],' 'concerning [noun],' or 'about [noun].' The structureNoun + 에 관한 + Nounmeans 'a [second noun] that is about/concerning the [first noun].' This form is extensively used in titles, official document names, and whenever you need to specify what kind of noun something is by stating its topic.
역사에 관한 책.(A book about history.)미래 사회에 관한 보고서.(A report concerning future society.)인공지능 개발에 관한 법률.(Legislation regarding AI development.)
-에 관하여 sets the stage for an action or statement, while -에 관한 attributes a topic to a noun. Understanding this flexibility of verb-to-adverbial/adnominal transformation is a cornerstone of advanced Korean grammar. It allows for the construction of sophisticated and precise sentences, distinguishing formal academic discourse from everyday conversation.Formation Pattern
-에 관하여 and its adnominal variant -에 관한 is straightforward, attaching directly to nouns without any batchim (final consonant) or vowel-ending considerations. This simplicity belies its formal usage, making it an accessible yet powerful tool for advanced learners.
Noun + 에 관하여 | Concerning/Regarding/About [Noun] |
Noun + 에 관한 | (A Noun) concerning/regarding/about [Noun] |
기후 변화 (climate change) + -에 관하여 → 기후 변화에 관하여 (Concerning climate change)
기후 변화에 관하여 심도 있는 토론을 진행했습니다. (We had an in-depth discussion concerning climate change.)
사회 문제 (social issues) + -에 관한 + 연구 (research) → 사회 문제에 관한 연구 (Research concerning social issues)
이 책은 다양한 사회 문제에 관한 심층적인 분석을 제공합니다. (This book offers an in-depth analysis regarding various social issues.)
-에 관하여 could vary. However, modern Korean orthography generally dictates that the particle -에 attaches directly to the noun without a space. Following this, 관하여 typically follows -에 with a space for readability. Therefore, the standard and recommended practice is Noun에 관하여 or Noun에 관한.
환경 문제에 관하여, 환경 문제에 관한
환경문제에관하여, 환경문제에관한 (no space after the noun-particle combination)
-에 관하여서
-에 관하여서. The -서 suffix adds a slightly more emphatic or causal nuance, suggesting 'having considered/regarded [Noun].' It is primarily found in highly academic or legal texts, often adding a layer of deliberate consideration. For most purposes, -에 관하여 is sufficient and preferred as the standard formal choice.
본 연구는 인권에 관하여서 심도 깊게 다루고 있습니다. (This study deeply addresses concerning human rights.)
When To Use It
-에 관하여 is as critical as knowing how to form it. Its usage is intrinsically linked to the concept of register in Korean – the formality of language used in a specific social context. You primarily employ -에 관하여 to signal a formal, objective, and often academic or official tone.- 1Academic and Research Contexts: This is perhaps the most natural home for
-에 관하여. Use it in theses, dissertations, research papers, academic presentations, and scholarly articles. It frames your work as a serious inquiry into a specific subject.
이 논문은 현대 문학에 관하여 새로운 시각을 제시한다.(This thesis presents a new perspective on contemporary literature.)저희는 이 주제에 관하여 추가 연구가 필요하다고 봅니다.(We believe further research regarding this topic is necessary.)
- 1Official and Legal Documents: Laws, regulations, policy papers, contracts, official announcements, and legal proceedings consistently utilize
-에 관하여or-에 관한. Its precision and formal tone are essential for legal clarity and authority.
개인 정보 보호에 관한 법률.(Law concerning personal information protection.)회사 정책에 관하여 문의하실 사항은 담당 부서로 연락 바랍니다.(For inquiries regarding company policy, please contact the responsible department.)
- 1News and Broadcast Media: News reports, documentaries, and formal interviews on serious topics commonly feature
-에 관하여. It imbues the reporting with an objective and authoritative voice, suitable for conveying important public information.
정부는 경제 위기에 관하여 긴급 대책을 발표했다.(The government announced emergency measures regarding the economic crisis.)이번 사건에 관하여 자세한 내용은 다음 보도에서 전해드리겠습니다.(We will provide more details about this incident in the next report.)
- 1Formal Presentations and Speeches: When delivering a speech, lecture, or presentation in a formal setting (e.g., a conference, a board meeting, a university lecture), using
-에 관하여elevates the professionalism of your discourse. It frames your address as a serious and well-prepared examination of the topic.
오늘 저는 한국 사회의 변화에 관하여 말씀드리겠습니다.(Today, I will speak concerning changes in Korean society.)
- 1Titles and Headings: The adnominal form
-에 관한is omnipresent in the titles of non-fiction books, articles, reports, and sections within official documents. It concisely indicates the primary subject matter.
조선 시대 역사에 관한 연구.(A Study on Joseon Dynasty History.)미래 교육에 관한 제언.(Proposals regarding Future Education.)
-에 관하여 is your appropriate choice. It acts as a linguistic signal to your audience that the discussion is serious, well-considered, and holds an official or academic weight.Common Mistakes
-에 관하여 by applying it in inappropriate contexts or confusing its grammatical functions. Recognizing these pitfalls is key to using this advanced grammar point effectively.- 1Over-formalization in Casual Settings: The most prevalent error is using
-에 관하여in everyday, informal conversations. It creates an extremely stiff, unnatural, and almost robotic impression. Korean casual speech uses-에 대해(서)almost exclusively for 'about.' While it might be tempting to use a more 'advanced' form, applying it incorrectly makes your Korean sound awkward.
- Incorrect:
어제 본 영화에 관하여 이야기하고 싶어.(I want to talk concerning the movie I saw yesterday.) – Sounds overly stiff, like a formal report. - Correct:
어제 본 영화에 대해 이야기하고 싶어.(I want to talk about the movie I saw yesterday.)
- 1Confusing Adverbial (
-에 관하여) and Adnominal (-에 관한) Forms: This error leads to grammatical structures that are either nonsensical or grammatically incorrect. Remember that-에 관하여modifies a verb/clause, while-에 관한modifies a noun.
- Incorrect:
환경 보호에 관하여 책을 읽었다.(I read a book concerningly environmental protection.) –관하여is an adverb here, trying to modify 'book,' which is a noun, incorrectly. - Correct:
환경 보호에 관한 책을 읽었다.(I read a book about environmental protection.) - Incorrect:
저는 인공지능에 관한 발표할 거예요.(I will present about AI.) –관한modifies 'present,' which is a verb. - Correct:
저는 인공지능에 관하여 발표할 거예요.(I will present concerning AI.)
- 1Omitting the Particle
-에: The particle-에is an integral part of this postpositional phrase. Omitting it results in an incomplete and ungrammatical construction.관하다is a verb that requires에to denote the object or topic of concern.
- Incorrect:
주제 관하여 논의하다. - Correct:
주제에 관하여 논의하다.(To discuss regarding the topic.)
- 1Using with Inappropriate Vocabulary: Matching the formality of the grammar with the formality of the lexicon is crucial. Pairing
-에 관하여with slang or overly casual words creates a jarring, stylistically mismatched sentence.
- Incorrect:
핵인싸에 관하여 연구해 봤어요.(I researched concerning '핵인싸' (trendsetter).) –핵인싸is a casual slang term, clashing with the high formality of관하여. - Better (if the topic itself must be formal):
현대 청년 문화의 주요 현상에 관하여 연구해 봤어요.(I researched concerning major phenomena in modern youth culture.)
- 1Confusing with 'Approximately': As noted in the original text,
-에 관하여is strictly for topics. It never means 'approximately' or 'around,' unlike some uses of 'about' in English. For approximations, use약(yak) or정도(jeongdo).
- Incorrect:
오후 5시에 관하여 만날까?(Shall we meet concerning 5 PM?) – Wrong usage. - Correct:
오후 5시쯤 만날까?(Shall we meet around 5 PM?)
-에 관하여 with precision.Real Conversations
While -에 관하여 is predominantly found in written contexts and formal speeches, its appearance in spoken Korean illuminates how native speakers maintain register in professional or academic discourse. You won't hear it in a casual chat over coffee, but you will encounter it in specific, highly structured verbal exchanges.
Formal Interviews/Presentations: In job interviews, academic defenses, or formal presentations, using -에 관하여 demonstrates respect, preparedness, and an ability to articulate complex ideas formally. It elevates your response, signaling that you are approaching the topic with appropriate seriousness.
- Interviewer: 본인의 강점에 대해 말씀해 주십시오. (Please tell us about your strengths.)
- Candidate (formal response): 제 강점에 관하여 말씀드리겠습니다. (I shall speak concerning my strengths.) – This sounds highly prepared and professional, contrasting with the more common 제 강점에 대해 말씀드리자면... (If I were to talk about my strengths...)
Academic Discussions/Lectures: University professors, researchers, and students engaging in formal academic discourse use -에 관하여 to introduce or refer to research topics with an air of scholarly rigor.
- Professor: 다음 주에는 포스트모더니즘에 관하여 다루겠습니다. (Next week, we will cover concerning postmodernism.)
- Student: 교수님, 이 부분에 관하여 질문이 있습니다. (Professor, I have a question regarding this part.)
News Broadcasts/Public Announcements: Newscasters and public officials frequently use -에 관하여 to deliver information that needs to be perceived as objective, factual, and authoritative. It's part of the standard lexicon for formal public address.
- 기상청은 태풍 진로에 관하여 브리핑을 진행했습니다. (The Korea Meteorological Administration held a briefing concerning the typhoon's path.)
- 시민 안전에 관하여 시장님의 말씀을 들어보겠습니다. (We will hear from the mayor regarding citizen safety.)
Workplace Communication (Formal): In highly formal corporate environments, especially when addressing senior management, giving official reports, or discussing critical policy matters, -에 관하여 might appear to ensure the message is conveyed with appropriate weight.
- 신제품 개발에 관하여 보고할 사항이 있습니다. (I have something to report concerning new product development.)
It is important to internalize that
Formation Table
| Noun | Particle | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
주제
|
에 관하여
|
주제에 관하여
|
|
문제
|
에 관하여
|
문제에 관하여
|
|
계획
|
에 관하여
|
계획에 관하여
|
|
사건
|
에 관하여
|
사건에 관하여
|
|
정보
|
에 관하여
|
정보에 관하여
|
|
의견
|
에 관하여
|
의견에 관하여
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Shortened Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
-에 관하여
|
-에 관해
|
Common in speech
|
|
-에 관하여
|
-에 관해서
|
Common in writing
|
Meanings
This particle is used to indicate the subject or topic of a discussion, thought, or action, functioning similarly to 'regarding' or 'about' in English.
Topic marker
Indicating the subject matter of a conversation or document.
“그 사건에 관하여 아는 것이 있습니까?”
“이번 프로젝트에 관하여 보고서를 작성했습니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 에 관하여
|
그것에 관하여 말해요.
|
|
Formal
|
Noun + 에 관하여
|
회의에 관하여 보고합니다.
|
|
Shortened
|
Noun + 에 관해
|
그 일에 관해 알아요.
|
|
Interrogative
|
Noun + 에 관하여
|
그것에 관하여 질문 있나요?
|
|
Past
|
Noun + 에 관하여
|
그것에 관하여 들었어요.
|
|
Future
|
Noun + 에 관하여
|
그것에 관하여 논의할 것입니다.
|
Formality Spectrum
프로젝트에 관하여 논의하겠습니다. (Work/Meeting)
프로젝트에 대해 이야기해요. (Work/Meeting)
프로젝트에 대해 얘기하자. (Work/Meeting)
프로젝트 얘기 좀 하자. (Work/Meeting)
Usage Map
Context
- 비즈니스 Business
- 학술 Academic
Register
- 격식 Formal
Examples by Level
한국에 관하여 말해요.
I talk about Korea.
책에 관하여 읽어요.
I read about the book.
이것에 관하여 질문 있어요.
I have a question about this.
영화에 관하여 이야기해요.
We talk about the movie.
그 문제에 관하여 생각 중입니다.
I am thinking about that problem.
날씨에 관하여 뉴스가 나왔어요.
The news about the weather came out.
학교에 관하여 정보를 찾아요.
I am looking for information about the school.
여행에 관하여 계획을 세웠어요.
I made a plan about the trip.
이번 회의는 예산에 관하여 진행됩니다.
This meeting will proceed regarding the budget.
그의 결정에 관하여 의문이 생겼습니다.
I have doubts regarding his decision.
환경 보호에 관하여 논문을 썼습니다.
I wrote a thesis about environmental protection.
규정에 관하여 자세히 설명해 주세요.
Please explain the regulations in detail.
본 건에 관하여 귀하의 의견을 묻고 싶습니다.
I would like to ask for your opinion regarding this matter.
정부 정책에 관하여 시민들의 반발이 거셉니다.
There is strong public opposition regarding government policy.
기술적 결함에 관하여 철저한 조사가 필요합니다.
A thorough investigation regarding the technical defect is necessary.
계약 조건에 관하여 협의가 필요합니다.
Consultation regarding the contract terms is required.
인류의 기원에 관하여 학계의 견해는 분분합니다.
Academic views regarding the origin of humanity are divided.
본 조항에 관하여 이의를 제기하는 바입니다.
I hereby raise an objection regarding this clause.
사회적 불평등에 관하여 심도 있는 분석이 요구됩니다.
In-depth analysis regarding social inequality is required.
문화적 정체성에 관하여 논의를 확장해 봅시다.
Let us expand the discussion regarding cultural identity.
본 사안에 관하여 귀사의 입장을 표명해 주시기 바랍니다.
Please state your company's position regarding this matter.
언어의 구조에 관하여 통시적 관점에서 접근할 필요가 있습니다.
It is necessary to approach the structure of language from a diachronic perspective.
국제 정세에 관하여 심층적인 통찰을 제공합니다.
It provides deep insight regarding the international situation.
예술의 본질에 관하여 철학적 담론을 이어가겠습니다.
I will continue the philosophical discourse regarding the essence of art.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'about'.
Almost identical to -에 관하여.
Adjective form vs particle.
Common Mistakes
친구에 관하여 놀아요.
친구와 놀아요.
밥에 관하여 먹어요.
밥을 먹어요.
집에 관하여 가요.
집에 가요.
이것에 관하여 좋아요.
이것이 좋아요.
선생님에 관하여 질문 있어요.
선생님께 질문 있어요.
그것에 관하여 알아요.
그것에 대해 알아요.
내일에 관하여 할 거예요.
내일 할 거예요.
친구랑 그 일에 관하여 이야기했어요.
친구랑 그 일에 대해 이야기했어요.
그것에 관하야 말했어요.
그것에 관하여 말했어요.
이 주제에 관하여는...
이 주제에 관해서는...
그것에 관하여를 생각합니다.
그것에 관하여 생각합니다.
그것에 관하여는...
그것에 관해서는...
그것에 관하여가 중요합니다.
그것에 관한 것이 중요합니다.
Sentence Patterns
___에 관하여 말씀드리겠습니다.
___에 관하여 질문이 있습니다.
___에 관하여 어떻게 생각하십니까?
___에 관하여 자세히 조사했습니다.
Real World Usage
본 건에 관하여 문의드립니다.
본 논문은 인공지능에 관하여 다룬다.
정부의 대책에 관하여 보도합니다.
오늘 안건에 관하여 말씀드리겠습니다.
본 조항에 관하여 이의가 없습니다.
다음은 환경 문제에 관하여입니다.
Use for Reports
Avoid in Casual Talk
Variation
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use -에 관하여 to show respect for the subject matter.
Use -에 관하여 to introduce each new slide topic.
Use -에 관하여 to define the scope of your research.
Use -에 관하여 to refer to specific clauses.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㅎ' in 관하여 is often softened in fast speech.
Formal Statement
Noun + 에 관하여 ↘
Falling intonation for professional statements.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '관' as '관심' (interest/relation). If you have an interest in a topic, you speak 'about' it using -에 관하여.
Visual Association
Imagine a formal suit-wearing person holding a file labeled 'Topic'. They are pointing at the file and saying '-에 관하여'.
Rhyme
Formal talk, don't be shy, use the ending -에 관하여.
Story
Mr. Kim is in a meeting. He stands up to talk about the project. He says, '프로젝트에 관하여 말씀드리겠습니다.' The boss nods because it sounds very professional.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your day using -에 관하여 as if you were reporting to a boss.
Cultural Notes
In Korean corporate culture, using formal particles like -에 관하여 shows respect for the topic and the listener.
Essays and research papers almost exclusively use -에 관하여 or -에 대하여.
Speakers use this to signal a transition to a new topic.
Derived from the Sino-Korean verb 관하다 (to relate to).
Conversation Starters
최근 뉴스에 관하여 어떻게 생각하세요?
이번 프로젝트에 관하여 질문이 있습니다.
한국 문화에 관하여 무엇을 알고 싶으세요?
환경 문제에 관하여 해결책이 있을까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
이번 프로젝트___ 관하여 보고합니다.
Which is most formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
그것에 관하야 말해요.
관하여 / 문제 / 에 / 생각합니다 / 그
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
When to use -에 관하여?
이 주제___ 관하여 더 알고 싶습니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
엄마랑 저녁에 관하여 이야기했어요.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises이번 프로젝트___ 관하여 보고합니다.
Which is most formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
그것에 관하야 말해요.
관하여 / 문제 / 에 / 생각합니다 / 그
Match the formal phrase.
When to use -에 관하여?
이 주제___ 관하여 더 알고 싶습니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
엄마랑 저녁에 관하여 이야기했어요.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises[수업에 관한] [질문이] [있나요] [이] [?]
This is a report about sales.
Match the following pairs:
계약 조건___ 문의드립니다. (I am inquiring about the contract terms.)
한국 경제___ 고찰 (A study ___ the Korean economy)
회사 규칙에 대해 말씀드리겠습니다.
A story about success.
주제는 환경 오염___.
정치___ 관하여 토론합시다.
관한 책 역사에.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but it sounds formal. Use -에 대해 for casual talk.
They are similar, but -에 관하여 is more formal.
It is spelled -에 관하여 (not 관하야).
Only if the text is professional or formal.
Yes, in formal speeches or meetings.
It will sound stiff or like you are joking.
Yes, -에 대하여 is also very common.
Because it attaches to a noun to show its role.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
con respecto a
Spanish uses a prepositional phrase, Korean uses a particle.
concernant
French 'concernant' is a participle, Korean is a particle.
bezüglich
German requires case agreement, Korean does not.
〜について
Japanese uses 'ni tsuite', Korean uses 'e gwanhayeo'.
关于
Chinese 'guanyu' is a preposition, Korean is a postposition.
بخصوص
Arabic is a preposition, Korean is a postposition.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
