Explanation at your level:
You use this word to talk about things. If you like cats, you say 'I talk about cats'. In Korean, you put this word after 'cat'. It is very easy to use!
At this level, you start using it for school or work topics. You might say 'I am writing a report about the environment'. It makes your sentences sound much more professional.
As you get better, you will use it to express opinions. 'I have a different opinion regarding this plan.' It helps you sound more organized when you explain your ideas.
In formal settings, ~대하여 is your best friend. It is perfect for debates or presentations. It shows you can handle complex topics with precision and clear structure.
At an advanced level, you will notice how it contrasts with other particles like '~에 대해'. While similar, ~대하여 carries a slightly more deliberate, formal weight in written documents.
Mastery involves understanding the nuance of 'facing' a topic. It is used in academic literature to frame research questions. It is essential for high-level discourse in Korean society.
Word in 30 Seconds
- ...
- ...
- ...
- ...
When you want to talk about something in Korean, you use ~대하여. Think of it as a bridge that connects your sentence to the specific topic you are discussing.
It is a very common way to frame your thoughts. Whether you are writing an essay or just chatting with a friend, this particle helps keep your conversation focused and clear.
The word comes from the Sino-Korean root 대(對), which means 'to face' or 'to oppose'. Historically, it implies 'facing' a subject.
Over time, it evolved into a grammatical tool. By adding ~하여 (the 'do' verb), it became a standard way to signal that your words are directed 'in the face of' or 'in relation to' a specific topic.
You use ~대하여 after a noun. For example, 'news about the weather' becomes '날씨에 대하여'.
It is slightly more formal than the shorter '~대해'. You will see it often in news reports, business emails, and formal speeches where clarity is important.
While it is a particle, it appears in set phrases. ~에 대하여 말하다 means 'to speak about'. ~에 대하여 생각하다 means 'to think about'.
These are the building blocks of Korean sentences. You will use these combinations almost every single day when you are learning the language.
In Korean, particles are attached directly to the end of nouns. There are no spaces before ~대하여.
Pronunciation is straightforward: 'dae-ha-yeo'. It flows smoothly from the preceding noun, making it easy to speak quickly once you get the rhythm of the sentence.
Fun Fact
It is based on Chinese characters.
Pronunciation Guide
N/A
N/A
Common Errors
- ...
- ...
- ...
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
...
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
...
...
Examples by Level
그것에 대하여 말해요.
Talk about that.
Simple particle usage
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"대하여 말하자면"
speaking of
그 계획에 대하여 말하자면...
neutral""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
...
...
...
Sentence Patterns
...
...
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Particles attach to nouns
Tips
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Dae' as 'Day' - I talk about my day.
Visual Association
A person pointing at a big sign.
Word Web
Challenge
...
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: To face/confront
Cultural Context
None
N/A
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
...
- ...
- ...
- ...
Conversation Starters
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Journal Prompts
...
...
...
...
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions...
Test Yourself
그것 ___ 대하여 말해요.
Particle usage
...
...
...
...
Word
Meaning
...
...
Score: /10
Summary
It is the standard way to say 'about' in Korean.
- ...
- ...
- ...
- ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Related Content
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
회계사
A2Accountant; a person whose job is to keep financial accounts.
회계부
A2Accounting department; the division handling financial records.
