B2 Advanced Grammar 8 min read Easy

Formal 'About' in Korean (-에 대하여)

Use -에 대하여 for formal 'about' with verbs and -에 대한 to describe nouns professionally.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use -에 대하여 to express 'about' or 'regarding' in formal, academic, or professional contexts.

  • Attach to nouns: 'Topic + 에 대하여' (e.g., '한국어에 대하여').
  • Use in formal settings: Perfect for reports, speeches, or formal emails.
  • Interchangeable with -에 관하여: Both are grammatically identical in meaning.
Noun + 에 대하여 + Verb/Adjective

Overview

Ever scrolled through a long YouTube comment debate and noticed a word that seems to pop up whenever things get serious? Maybe you're watching a tech review or a K-drama analysis video. You'll likely see the phrase -에 대하여 appearing in the title or the subtitles.

It is the heavy lifter of the Korean language. It helps you focus your thoughts on one specific topic. Think of it as the 'VIP spotlight' for nouns.

It tells your listener exactly what subject you are about to dissect. Without it, your sentences might feel a bit scattered. It’s the difference between 'I talk food' and 'I am speaking regarding the culinary arts.' Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic.

But you get the point! If you want to sound like you’ve actually done your homework, this is the grammar for you. It’s sophisticated, polished, and surprisingly easy to use once you find the rhythm.

Just don't use it to ask where the bathroom is. That would be weird. Stick to topics that actually deserve a discussion!

This grammar pattern is the formal way to say 'about' or 'concerning' in Korean. In English, we use 'about' for almost everything. 'I'm thinking about pizza.' 'Let's talk about the weather.' In Korean, you have options.

For a quick, casual chat, you might use other particles. But when you want to sound professional, academic, or just very clear, you reach for -에 대하여 對하여(대하여). The root comes from the Hanja 對 {대}, which means to face or correspond.

So, you are literally 'facing' a topic with your words. It’s very popular in news reports, essays, and deep late-night talks about the meaning of life. Or, more realistically, deep talks about why your favorite K-pop group deserves more screen time.

You'll find it in formal settings like job interviews or university presentations. It adds a layer of 'I mean business' to your speech. Even on social media, people use it to sound more authoritative in their captions.

It’s like wearing a blazer over a t-shirt. It instantly upgrades the vibe. Plus, it makes you sound like a native speaker who actually cares about grammar.

Who doesn't want that?

How This Grammar Works

At its core, -에 대하여 attaches to a noun to turn it into the 'topic' of the following verb. It acts like a bridge. On one side, you have your noun (the thing you're talking about).
On the other side, you have a verb (usually a verb of thinking, speaking, or writing). The bridge connects them. If you are writing a blog post about your trip to Seoul, the trip is the noun.
The writing is the verb. The bridge is -에 대하여. One cool thing is that it has two main forms.
When it’s working as an adverb (describing how you speak or think), you use -에 대하여. When it’s working as an adjective (describing a noun that follows it), it transforms into -에 대한. It’s like a transformer.
It changes its shape based on what it’s touching next. If you follow it with a verb like 'to talk' or 'to study', use the -에 대하여 version. If you follow it with another noun like 'book' or 'opinion', use the -에 대한 version.
It’s a subtle shift that makes a huge difference in how natural you sound. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. Think of it as a LEGO set.
You just have to snap the right pieces together. Once you see the pattern, you can't unsee it.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating this pattern is like following a simple three-step recipe. No complicated conjugations or irregular surprises here!
2
Identify your Noun: This is the topic you want to discuss. Let's use 한국 영화 (Korean movies).
3
Attach the Particle: Simply add -에 대하여 right after the noun. There’s no need to check for a final consonant (patchim). It’s the same for everything! So, 한국 영화에 대하여.
4
Add the Action: Follow it up with a verb related to communication or thought. For example, 말해요 (I speak). Result: 한국 영화에 대하여 말해요. (I'm talking about Korean movies).
5
If you want to describe a noun, the steps are almost the same:
6
Topic Noun: 환경 (Environment).
7
Adjective form: Attach -에 대한. So, 환경에 대한.
8
Target Noun: Add the noun you are describing, like (book). Result: 환경에 대한 책 (A book about the environment).
9
Here is a quick look at how it fits different nouns:
10
사랑 (Love) + -에 대하여 = 사랑에 대하여 (About love)
11
미래 (Future) + -에 대하여 = 미래에 대하여 (About the future)
12
방탄소년단 (BTS) + -에 대하여 = 방탄소년단에 대하여 (About BTS)
13
It’s basically a universal adapter for nouns. Whether you're talking about your cat or quantum physics, the attachment remains the same. Easy, right? Even your coffee machine is more complicated than this.

When To Use It

You should pull this grammar out when you want to show you're focusing on a specific subject. It's perfect for:
  • Academic Writing: If you're writing an essay or a report, this is your best friend. It makes your work look researched and serious.
  • Social Media Headlines: Want to start a 'Story Time' on TikTok or Instagram? Use -에 대한 in the title. 'The truth about my trip to Jeju' sounds much better as 제주도 여행에 대한 진실.
  • Job Interviews: When an interviewer asks about your experience, use -에 대하여 to sound professional. 제 경험에 대하여 말씀드리겠습니다 (I will speak about my experience).
  • News and Media: You'll hear news anchors using this constantly. It's the standard for professional broadcasting.
  • Formal Presentations: If you're giving a talk at school or work, this grammar keeps your points organized and clear.
  • Deep Conversations: When you're having one of those 2 AM talks with a friend about the future, this adds the right amount of weight to the conversation.
Avoid using it for very trivial, daily things. If you're just saying 'I'm thinking about lunch,' using -에 대하여 might make you sound like a food critic writing a thesis on a ham sandwich. Use the simpler -고 or -을/를 for the small stuff. Save the big guns for the big topics!

Common Mistakes

Even though it's straightforward, there are a few traps you might fall into.
  • Forgetting the '에': Some learners just say 명사 대하여. That’s like saying 'About noun' without the 'about'. You need that little -에 to glue everything together. It's not optional!
  • Mixing up -에 대하여 and -에 대한: This is the most common one. Remember: 대하여 loves verbs. 대한 loves nouns. If you say 영화에 대한 말해요, it sounds like 'I speak a movie-about.' It just doesn't work. Always look at what comes next.
  • Over-formalizing: Don't use this with your five-year-old cousin. They’ll look at you like you’ve turned into a textbook. In very casual speech, we usually shorten it to -에 대해 or -에 대해서. Using the full -에 대하여 in a casual text might make you seem a bit stiff.
  • Wrong Verbs: You can't use it with just any verb. You wouldn't say 'I ate about pizza.' It only works with verbs of thinking, knowing, feeling, or communicating. Stick to verbs like 생각하다 (think), 알다 (know), 말하다 (speak), and 쓰다 (write).
  • Misplacing the Particle: Make sure it's attached to the topic, not the subject. The subject usually takes -이/가 or -은/는. The topic of the discussion takes -에 대하여.
If you avoid these, you'll be sounding like a pro in no time. Think of these mistakes as speed bumps—annoying, but easy to navigate once you know they're there.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

You might have seen -에 대해서 or just -에. Let’s clear the air.
  • -에 대하여 vs -에 대해서: These are basically twins. -에 대하여 is the formal, written version. You’ll see it in books and newspapers. -에 대해서 is the spoken, everyday version. If you're talking to a friend or a teacher, use -에 대해서. It feels more natural and less like a lecture.
  • -에 대하여 vs -에: The simple -에 usually indicates a location or a time. 'I am at school' uses -에. 'I am talking about school' uses -에 대하여. If you use the wrong one, you might end up saying you're talking 'at' a school rather than 'about' it. Precision is key!
  • -에 대하여 vs -을/를: Sometimes you can just use the object particle. 영화를 좋아해요 (I like the movie). But if you say 영화에 대하여 말해요, you are emphasizing the topic of the movie, not just the movie as an object. It’s a shift in focus.
Think of -에 대하여 as the high-definition version of 'about'. It provides more detail and a clearer boundary for what you're discussing. If -에 is a point on a map, -에 대하여 is a full-blown tour guide. Use it when you want to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use this for people?

Yes! You can say 그 사람에 대하여 (About that person). It’s very common when discussing someone’s character or history.

Q

Is it okay to use this in a text message?

It might feel a bit formal. Try shortening it to -에 대해 for your friends. It’s much more 'text-friendly.'

Q

Does it matter if the noun ends in a vowel or consonant?

Not at all! It’s the same for both. Just slap it on and you’re good to go.

Q

What’s the difference between 대하여 and 대해?

대해 is just a shortened version of 대하여. It’s like 'do not' vs 'don't'. 대해 is more common in daily conversation.

Q

Can I use it for 'about' in terms of numbers?

No! For 'about 5 people,' use or 정도. -에 대하여 is only for topics of discussion.

Q

How do I say 'Everything about...'?

Use ...에 대한 모든 것. It’s a very popular phrase for YouTube titles and book names!

Formation Pattern

Noun Particle Result Example
학교
에 대하여
학교에 대하여
학교에 대하여 말하다
문제
에 대하여
문제에 대하여
문제에 대하여 생각하다
경제
에 대하여
경제에 대하여
경제에 대하여 토론하다
문화
에 대하여
문화에 대하여
문화에 대하여 연구하다
계획
에 대하여
계획에 대하여
계획에 대하여 질문하다
정보
에 대하여
정보에 대하여
정보에 대하여 확인하다

Common Variations

Full Form Shortened Form Nuance
-에 대하여
-에 대해
Slightly less formal
-에 관하여
-에 관해
Slightly less formal

Meanings

This grammar structure acts as a prepositional phrase meaning 'about', 'concerning', or 'regarding' a specific topic.

1

Topic/Subject

Indicating the subject matter of a discussion, thought, or action.

“환경 문제에 대하여 토론합시다.”

“그 계획에 대하여 질문이 있습니다.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal 'About' in Korean (-에 대하여)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Noun + 에 대하여
그것에 대하여 압니다.
Negative
Noun + 에 대하여 + 안/못
그것에 대하여 모릅니다.
Question
Noun + 에 대하여 + V?
그것에 대하여 아십니까?
Past
Noun + 에 대하여 + V(past)
그것에 대하여 말했습니다.
Future
Noun + 에 대하여 + V(future)
그것에 대하여 말할 것입니다.
Polite
Noun + 에 대하여 + V(honorific)
그것에 대하여 말씀하셨습니다.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
그 계획에 대하여 생각하고 있습니다.

그 계획에 대하여 생각하고 있습니다. (Business meeting)

Neutral
그 계획에 대해 생각해요.

그 계획에 대해 생각해요. (Business meeting)

Informal
그 계획에 대해 생각해.

그 계획에 대해 생각해. (Business meeting)

Slang
그 계획 어때?

그 계획 어때? (Business meeting)

Usage Map

에 대하여

Contexts

  • 보고서 Report
  • 회의 Meeting
  • 논문 Thesis

Verbs

  • 말하다 Speak
  • 토론하다 Discuss
  • 생각하다 Think

Examples by Level

1

한국어에 대하여 공부합니다.

I study about Korean.

2

그것에 대하여 말하세요.

Please speak about that.

3

음악에 대하여 좋아해요.

I like music (about music).

4

학교에 대하여 질문 있어요.

I have a question about school.

1

선생님은 수업에 대하여 설명하셨습니다.

The teacher explained about the class.

2

이 영화에 대하여 어떻게 생각하세요?

What do you think about this movie?

3

날씨에 대하여 이야기합시다.

Let's talk about the weather.

4

건강에 대하여 걱정하지 마세요.

Don't worry about your health.

1

환경 오염에 대하여 심각하게 고민해야 합니다.

We must think seriously about environmental pollution.

2

새로운 정책에 대하여 의견을 제시했습니다.

I presented my opinion about the new policy.

3

그 사건에 대하여 아무것도 모릅니다.

I know nothing about that incident.

4

역사적 사실에 대하여 연구 중입니다.

I am researching about historical facts.

1

본 보고서는 경제 성장에 대하여 다루고 있습니다.

This report deals with economic growth.

2

인공지능의 윤리에 대하여 토론이 필요합니다.

A discussion is needed regarding the ethics of AI.

3

계약 조건에 대하여 재협상을 요청합니다.

I request a renegotiation regarding the contract terms.

4

사회적 불평등에 대하여 깊이 있는 분석이 요구됩니다.

In-depth analysis is required regarding social inequality.

1

정부의 조치에 대하여 비판적인 시각이 제기되었습니다.

A critical perspective was raised regarding the government's measures.

2

문화적 정체성에 대하여 논의하는 것은 매우 중요합니다.

Discussing cultural identity is very important.

3

글로벌 시장의 변화에 대하여 면밀히 관찰해야 합니다.

We must closely observe the changes in the global market.

4

인권 문제에 대하여 국제적인 협력이 필수적입니다.

International cooperation is essential regarding human rights issues.

1

본 논문은 언어 습득의 기제에 대하여 고찰합니다.

This thesis contemplates the mechanisms of language acquisition.

2

헌법 개정안에 대하여 국민들의 의견을 수렴하고 있습니다.

They are collecting public opinion regarding the constitutional amendment.

3

철학적 담론에 대하여 심도 있게 다루는 강연입니다.

This is a lecture that deals deeply with philosophical discourse.

4

기술적 결함에 대하여 책임 소재를 명확히 해야 합니다.

The responsibility for the technical defect must be clarified.

Easily Confused

Formal 'About' in Korean (-에 대하여) vs -에 대해

Learners often mix these because they mean the same thing.

Formal 'About' in Korean (-에 대하여) vs -에 관하여

Both are formal particles meaning 'about'.

Formal 'About' in Korean (-에 대하여) vs -에 대한

Learners confuse the particle with the modifier form.

Common Mistakes

친구에 대하여 놀아요.

친구와 놀아요.

Don't use 'about' for people you are with.

사과에 대하여 먹어요.

사과를 먹어요.

Don't use 'about' for direct objects.

어디에 대하여 가요?

어디로 가요?

Don't use 'about' for direction.

내일에 대하여 해요.

내일 해요.

Don't use 'about' for time.

그것에 대하여 좋아요.

그것에 대해 좋습니다.

Use with verbs, not adjectives.

선생님에 대하여 말했어요.

선생님에 관해 말씀드렸어요.

Use honorifics for teachers.

숙제에 대하여 했어요.

숙제를 했어요.

Don't use 'about' for direct objects.

그 주제에 대하여 토론합니다.

그 주제에 관하여 토론합니다.

Both are fine, but be consistent.

이것에 대하여 생각합니다.

이것에 대해 생각합니다.

Use formal register.

그것에 대하여 모릅니다.

그것에 관해 모릅니다.

Use formal register.

그것에 대하여 말하는 것은 중요합니다.

그것에 관하여 논의하는 것은 중요합니다.

Use more academic verbs.

이것에 대하여 분석합니다.

이것에 관하여 분석합니다.

Use more academic verbs.

그것에 대하여 연구합니다.

그것에 관하여 연구합니다.

Use more academic verbs.

Sentence Patterns

___에 대하여 어떻게 생각하세요?

___에 대하여 질문이 있습니다.

___에 대하여 깊이 고민해 보았습니다.

___에 대하여 말씀드리겠습니다.

Real World Usage

Business Meeting very common

오늘 회의 안건에 대하여 논의하겠습니다.

Academic Essay constant

이 논문은 현대 사회에 대하여 다룹니다.

Formal Email common

문의하신 내용에 대하여 답변드립니다.

News Report very common

정부는 새로운 정책에 대하여 발표했습니다.

Public Speech common

여러분, 환경 보호에 대하여 생각해보셨나요?

Job Interview occasional

제 경력에 대하여 말씀드리겠습니다.

💡

Consistency

If you start a report using '에 대하여', stick to it throughout the document instead of switching to '에 관해'.
⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using it in every sentence makes your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like '관하여' or '관해' to vary your vocabulary.
🎯

Verb Choice

Pair this with strong academic verbs like '고찰하다' (contemplate) or '분석하다' (analyze) for maximum impact.
💬

Register

Always check the formality of the situation. If you are at a cafe with a friend, use '대해' or just skip the particle.

Smart Tips

Use -에 대하여 to introduce your main topic clearly.

이 보고서는 환경입니다. 이 보고서는 환경 문제에 대하여 다룹니다.

Use -에 대하여 to transition between slides.

다음은 경제입니다. 다음은 경제 상황에 대하여 말씀드리겠습니다.

Use -에 대하여 to specify what you are asking about.

질문이 있습니다. 그 안건에 대하여 질문이 있습니다.

Use -에 대하여 to frame your opinion.

제 생각은 이렇습니다. 그 정책에 대하여 제 생각은 이렇습니다.

Pronunciation

e-dae-ha-yeo

Linking

The '에' and '대' are pronounced clearly. The '하여' often blends into '해' in fast speech.

Statement

Noun-에 대하여 ↘

Neutral, professional tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '대' (大 - big) as a big topic you are facing.

Visual Association

Imagine a professor standing at a podium, pointing at a large screen labeled with a topic. The professor says, '이 주제에 대하여...' (Regarding this topic...).

Rhyme

Formal and neat, use 대하여 for the seat.

Story

Min-su was nervous about his presentation. He practiced saying '프로젝트에 대하여' (regarding the project) in front of the mirror. When the boss asked, 'What is this?', Min-su confidently replied, '프로젝트에 대하여 말씀드리겠습니다.' The boss was impressed by his formal tone.

Word Web

주제토론보고연구의견질문

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby using '에 대하여' and read them aloud in a formal tone.

Cultural Notes

In Korean business, using formal particles like -에 대하여 shows respect for the agenda and the participants.

Essays and reports require the most formal language, making -에 대하여 the standard choice.

Speakers use this to signal a shift in topic to the audience.

Derived from the verb '대하다' (to face/confront) + particle '에'.

Conversation Starters

최근 뉴스에 대하여 어떻게 생각하세요?

환경 문제에 대하여 어떤 해결책이 있을까요?

한국 문화에 대하여 무엇을 배우고 싶으세요?

기술 발전에 대하여 긍정적이신가요?

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite book using -에 대하여.
Discuss a current event in your country using -에 대하여.
Write a formal email to a professor about a project using -에 대하여.
Analyze a social issue using -에 대하여.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct particle.

그 문제___ 대하여 이야기합시다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
The particle sequence is -에 대하여.
Choose the most formal sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
-에 대하여 is the most formal.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

친구에 대하여 놀아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Don't use 'about' for people.
Reorder the words to make a sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order is Noun + Particle + Verb.
Translate to Korean. Translation

I have a question about the report.

Answer starts with: a...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Use -에 대하여 for 'about'.
Match the English to the Korean. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle is -에 대하여.
Build a sentence with '환경' and '토론하다'. Sentence Building

환경 / 토론하다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle is -에 대하여.
Which verb fits best? Multiple Choice

그 계획에 대하여 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
논의합니다 (discuss) fits the formal topic.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct particle.

그 문제___ 대하여 이야기합시다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
The particle sequence is -에 대하여.
Choose the most formal sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
-에 대하여 is the most formal.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

친구에 대하여 놀아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Don't use 'about' for people.
Reorder the words to make a sentence. Sentence Reorder

대하여 / 생각 / 그 / 에 / 합니다 / 계획

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order is Noun + Particle + Verb.
Translate to Korean. Translation

I have a question about the report.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Use -에 대하여 for 'about'.
Match the English to the Korean. Match Pairs

Match 'regarding the plan'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle is -에 대하여.
Build a sentence with '환경' and '토론하다'. Sentence Building

환경 / 토론하다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle is -에 대하여.
Which verb fits best? Multiple Choice

그 계획에 대하여 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
논의합니다 (discuss) fits the formal topic.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence: 'I have a question about the price.' Fill in the Blank

가격( ) 질문이 있습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 에 대하여
Reorder to say: 'I thought about the future.' Sentence Reorder

미래에 / 대하여 / 생각했어요 / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 미래에 대하여 생각했어요.
Translate 'A letter about love'. Translation

사랑( ) 편지

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 에 대한
Choose the most natural spoken version for a friend. Multiple Choice

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 너에 대해 말해줘.
Fix the mistake: 'He knows about me.' Error Correction

그는 저 대한 알아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 그는 저에 대하여 알아요.
Match the Korean to English. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 우주에 대하여 | About space
Fill in the blank: 'Everything about Seoul'. Fill in the Blank

서울에 ( ) 모든 것.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 대한
Which is more formal? Multiple Choice

Identify the formal written form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 계획에 대하여
Reorder: 'Write a report about the trip.' Sentence Reorder

여행에 / 대하여 / 보고서를 / 쓰세요 / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 여행에 대하여 보고서를 쓰세요.
Translate 'I have no information about that.' Translation

그것( ) 정보가 없어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 에 대한

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is very versatile and can be used with almost any topic noun.

Yes, they are interchangeable in almost all formal contexts.

It sounds too stiff and formal, which can create distance in a friendship.

Yes, in formal speeches or business meetings, but rarely in casual conversation.

-에 대한 is a modifier (e.g., 'the opinion about X'), while -에 대하여 is a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'to speak about X').

Yes, it is often used with honorific verbs like '말씀하시다'.

Extremely common, as news reports are formal.

Simply negate the following verb, e.g., '그것에 대하여 알지 못합니다'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Japanese high

について (ni tsuite)

Japanese has more variations based on the verb used.

Chinese high

关于 (guānyú)

Chinese places it at the start, whereas Korean places it after the noun.

German moderate

bezüglich

German requires a genitive case after the preposition.

French moderate

concernant

French is a participle, whereas Korean is a particle construction.

Spanish low

sobre

Spanish 'sobre' is much more common and less formal than '에 대하여'.

Arabic moderate

بخصوص (bi-khusus)

Arabic is a prepositional phrase, Korean is a particle.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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