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관련하다

A2 verb #1,500 most common 9 min read

관련하다

gwallyeonhada Top 1,500

At the A1 level, '관련하다' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'about' or 'together with.' Imagine you have two things, like a book and a movie. If the movie is 'related' to the book, they are connected. In A1, we focus on the basic idea that things are not alone. You might see this word in simple signs or very basic news headlines. Think of it like a puzzle piece connecting to another piece. Even if you don't use the full verb yet, knowing that '관련' means 'connection' will help you understand many other Korean words later on. Just remember: A is with B.

At the A2 level, you start using '관련하다' to describe simple relationships. You can use it to talk about your job (e.g., 'I do work related to computers') or your hobbies. You should learn the pattern '[Noun] + 와/과 관련하다.' This level is about making your sentences more specific. Instead of just saying 'I like this,' you can say 'This is related to my interest.' You will also start seeing '관련된' (related) as an adjective before nouns. It's a great way to sound more organized and clear when you speak or write simple notes.

At the B1 level, you use '관련하다' to explain more complex situations, especially in workplace or school settings. You should be comfortable using '~와 관련하여' to introduce a topic in an email or a presentation. For example, 'Regarding the meeting tomorrow...' (내일 회의와 관련하여...). You also begin to distinguish between '관련하다' and '상관하다.' You can use this word to talk about social issues, like how health is related to the environment. Your ability to link ideas logically using this verb shows that you are moving beyond basic survival Korean into more functional, descriptive Korean.

At the B2 level, '관련하다' becomes a tool for analysis. You use it in discussions to point out connections that might not be obvious. You can talk about economic trends being related to global events or how a character's actions in a novel are related to their past. You should also be familiar with the passive form '관련되다' and use it naturally to describe states. At this level, you might use more advanced collocations like '밀접하게 관련하다' (to be closely related) or '직접적으로 관련하다' (to be directly related). You are now using the word to build arguments and provide detailed explanations.

At the C1 level, you use '관련하다' with high precision in academic or professional discourse. You understand the subtle differences between '관련,' '연관,' and '상관' and choose the one that fits the exact nuance of the relationship. You might use the word to discuss abstract concepts, legal precedents, or scientific correlations. You can handle complex sentence structures where '관련하여' acts as a sophisticated transition. You also recognize the word in high-level literature and news editorials where it is used to weave together complex socio-political themes. Your usage is now indistinguishable from a native speaker's formal register.

At the C2 level, '관련하다' is used with complete mastery of its philosophical and technical implications. You can use it to discuss ontological connections, complex systems theory, or intricate legal frameworks. You are aware of the word's Hanja roots and how they influence its usage in classical or highly formal texts. You can use the word to critique the relationship between variables in a research paper or to discuss the interconnectedness of global phenomena in a nuanced way. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a precise instrument for articulating the most complex relationships in the Korean language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

관련하다 in 30 Seconds

관련하다 means 'to be related' or 'connected' in a formal or objective sense.
It requires the particle ~와/과 to specify what something is related to.
The form ~와 관련하여 is extremely common in business and news for 'regarding'.
It is more formal than '상관있다' and more general than '연관되다'.

The verb 관련하다 (gwan-ryeon-ha-da) is a foundational Korean term used to describe the state or action of being connected. Rooted in Hanja, '관' (關) signifies a gate or a connection, while '련' (聯) means to link or join. Together, they form the concept of 'relating' or 'associating.' In everyday Korean, this word acts as a bridge between two ideas, showing that one does not exist in isolation from the other. Whether you are talking about a news story related to the economy or a personal matter related to your family, this verb provides the necessary logical glue.

Etymological Root: The Hanja 關聯 (관련) implies a structural connection, like links in a chain or the mechanism of a gate.
Semantic Range: It covers everything from direct physical connections to abstract logical correlations and social associations.

이 문제는 우리 생활과 깊이 관련하다. (This problem is deeply related to our lives.)

Understanding '관련하다' requires recognizing its flexibility. While it is a verb, it is most frequently encountered in its adjective form (관련한) or as part of a phrase (관련하여). It suggests that there is a thread connecting point A to point B. For example, in a business context, if a project is '관련하다' with a specific department, it means that department has a stake or a role in that project. In a legal context, evidence might be '관련하다' to a crime, meaning it has the potential to prove or disprove a fact. The word carries a sense of relevance; if something is related, it matters in the current context.

환경 오염은 건강과 관련한다. (Environmental pollution is related to health.)

Furthermore, the word implies a level of dependency. If A is related to B, a change in A might often lead to a change in B. This makes it a crucial word for discussing cause and effect, even if the relationship isn't strictly causal. It is broader than 'cause' (원인); it simply states that a relationship exists. In academic writing, '관련하다' is used to define the scope of a study, indicating which variables are being considered in tandem with others. It is a word that builds context and defines boundaries.

Using 관련하다 correctly involves mastering its grammatical particles and common forms. The most important particle to remember is ~와/과 (with). Because 'relating' inherently involves two parties, you almost always need to specify what something is related *to*. The structure is usually [Noun] + 와/과 관련하다. However, in modern usage, the passive form 관련되다 is actually more common when describing a state of being related. When you use the active '관련하다', it often appears in the form '~와 관련하여' (in relation to / regarding).

Common Pattern 1: [A]는 [B]와 관련하다: A is related to B.
Common Pattern 2: [B]와 관련한 [Noun]: A noun related to B (e.g., 관련한 정보 - related information).

그는 이번 사건과 관련하여 조사를 받았다. (He was investigated in relation to this case.)

In formal writing, such as reports or news articles, you will frequently see '관련하여' at the beginning of a sentence or clause to set the topic. It functions similarly to 'Regarding...' or 'In connection with...' in English. For example, '신제품 출시와 관련하여 안내 말씀 드립니다' (We are providing information regarding the new product launch). This usage is polite, professional, and very common in business emails. If you want to sound more natural in conversation, you might use '관련이 있다' (to have a relation) instead of the bare verb '관련하다'.

교육과 관련한 책을 읽고 있어요. (I am reading a book related to education.)

Another nuance is the distinction between '관련하다' and '상관하다'. While both involve a connection, '상관하다' often implies interference or caring about something (e.g., '상관하지 마세요' - Don't interfere/mind your business). '관련하다' is more neutral and objective. It simply states the existence of a link. When writing, try to use '관련하다' when you want to sound objective and '관련이 있다' when you want to sound more descriptive of a state. Mastery of these subtle shifts in form will greatly improve your Korean fluency.

You will encounter 관련하다 in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the moderately casual. Its primary home is in the realm of information exchange. In the news, anchors use it to link stories: '이번 사고와 관련하여 정부는 대책을 발표했습니다' (In relation to this accident, the government announced measures). It is the bread and butter of journalism, as it allows reporters to connect disparate facts into a coherent narrative. If you listen to Korean news broadcasts, you will likely hear some form of '관련' every few minutes.

News & Media: Used to link events, people, and consequences in reporting.
Workplace: Used in emails, meetings, and reports to discuss project relevance.

업무와 관련된 서류를 보내주세요. (Please send the documents related to the work.)

In the workplace, '관련하다' is indispensable. When discussing tasks, employees might say, '이 프로젝트와 관련해서 질문이 있습니다' (I have a question regarding this project). It provides a professional way to introduce a topic. You will also see it on official documents and forms. For example, a section labeled '관련 서류' (Related Documents) or '관련 법규' (Related Laws). It acts as a categorical marker, helping to organize information logically. In academic settings, professors use it to discuss theories: '이 이론은 심리학과 관련합니다' (This theory is related to psychology).

사건 관련자들을 모두 조사했습니다. (We investigated all those involved in the case.)

Even in daily life, you might hear it when people discuss their interests or jobs. '저는 IT와 관련한 일을 하고 있어요' (I am doing work related to IT). It is a slightly more formal way of saying 'I work in IT.' In dramas, especially legal or medical ones, the word is used constantly to discuss evidence, symptoms, and relationships between characters. It is a word that signifies seriousness and specificity. When someone uses '관련하다', they are usually being precise about what they are talking about, moving away from vague generalities toward specific connections.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 관련하다 is using the wrong particle. Many learners instinctively want to use the object particle (~을/를) because they think of 'relating' as an action performed on an object. However, in Korean, you relate *with* something, so you must use ~와/과. Saying '이 문제를 관련해요' is incorrect; it should be '이 문제와 관련해요'. This is a common pitfall for English speakers who are used to the transitive nature of the verb 'to relate' in some contexts.

Mistake: Wrong Particle: Using ~을/를 instead of ~와/과.
Mistake: Confusing with '상관': Using '상관하다' when you mean objective 'relation'.

Incorrect: 이 일을 관련해요. (X)
Correct: 이 일과 관련해요. (O)

Another common issue is the confusion between '관련하다' (active) and '관련되다' (passive). While they are often interchangeable in English translation, '관련되다' is much more natural when you are describing a state that already exists. For example, if you want to say 'This is related to that,' '이것은 그것과 관련되어 있다' is the most natural form. Using '관련하다' as a simple descriptive verb can sometimes sound slightly stiff or unnatural in casual speech. Learners often over-rely on the dictionary form without considering these common stylistic preferences.

그는 이 범죄와 관련되어 있습니다. (He is involved/related to this crime.)

Finally, learners sometimes confuse '관련하다' with '관계하다'. While '관계' also means relation, '관계하다' is much less common as a verb and can sometimes have specific, narrower meanings (like sexual relations or specific involvement in an affair). For general 'connection' or 'relevance,' '관련하다' or '관련되다' is almost always the safer and more accurate choice. Pay attention to the context: if you are talking about a logical link, use '관련'; if you are talking about a human relationship, use the noun '관계' (e.g., 좋은 관계 - good relationship).

Korean has several words that translate to 'related' or 'connected,' and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you want to convey. 관련하다 is the most general and formal term for a logical connection. Another common word is 연관되다 (to be associated). While very similar, '연관' often implies a more intricate or intertwined connection, like a series of events that are all linked together. It is frequently used in scientific or sociological contexts to describe associations between variables.

관련 vs 연관: '관련' is a general link; '연관' is a deeper, often causal or systematic association.
관련 vs 관계: '관련' is about relevance/connection; '관계' is about the nature of the relationship itself.

두 사건은 밀접하게 연관되어 있다. (The two incidents are closely associated.)

Then there is 상관있다 (to have a connection/to matter). This is much more common in spoken Korean. If you want to say 'That has nothing to do with me,' you would say '나랑 상관없어' rather than '나랑 관련없어'. '상관' carries a nuance of 'impact' or 'relevance to one's interests.' Another word is 해당하다 (to correspond to / to fall under). This is used when something fits into a specific category. For example, '이 규칙은 모든 학생에게 해당한다' (This rule applies to all students). While '관련' is about a link, '해당' is about membership in a group.

그것은 내 알 바가 아니야 (상관없어). (That's none of my business / doesn't relate to me.)

Lastly, 잇닿다 is a more poetic or physical word meaning 'to be connected' or 'to touch.' It is rarely used for abstract logical connections but might be used to describe two pieces of land that are connected. In summary, '관련하다' remains your best all-purpose word for describing how one thing pertains to another in a logical, professional, or informational sense. By understanding these synonyms, you can choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of connection you are trying to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Speaking 3/5

Listening 3/5

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

이 책은 한국과 관련해요.

This book is related to Korea.

Simple present tense with ~와/과.

그것은 저와 관련 없어요.

That is not related to me.

Negative form using '없다'.

친구와 관련한 이야기예요.

It's a story related to a friend.

Adjective form '관련한'.

이 일은 학교와 관련해요.

This work is related to school.

Basic noun + particle structure.

음식과 관련한 사진이에요.

It's a photo related to food.

Noun modification.

공부와 관련한 질문이 있어요.

I have a question related to studying.

Using '관련한' to specify a noun.

이것은 제 꿈과 관련해요.

This is related to my dream.

Personal connection.

가족과 관련한 선물이에요.

It's a gift related to family.

Describing a purpose.

저는 요리와 관련한 일을 하고 싶어요.

I want to do work related to cooking.

Expressing desire with ~고 싶다.

이 문제는 건강과 깊이 관련해요.

This problem is deeply related to health.

Adverb '깊이' (deeply) adding nuance.

여행과 관련한 정보를 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for information related to travel.

Present continuous tense.

이 영화는 역사와 관련해요.

This movie is related to history.

Topic marking with ~는.

날씨와 관련한 뉴스를 들었어요.

I heard news related to the weather.

Past tense '들었어요'.

새로운 프로젝트와 관련한 회의가 있어요.

There is a meeting related to the new project.

Describing a specific event.

그 질문은 제 전공과 관련해요.

That question is related to my major.

Formal ending ~해요.

운동과 관련한 책을 샀어요.

I bought a book related to exercise.

Past tense '샀어요'.

이번 사건과 관련하여 몇 가지 질문을 하겠습니다.

I will ask a few questions in relation to this incident.

Formal '~와 관련하여' structure.

그 회사는 환경 보호와 관련한 활동을 많이 합니다.

That company does many activities related to environmental protection.

Describing company actions.

경제 위기는 실업률과 밀접하게 관련합니다.

The economic crisis is closely related to the unemployment rate.

Using '밀접하게' (closely).

이 서류는 계약과 관련한 중요한 문서입니다.

This document is an important document related to the contract.

Formal noun modification.

그의 성공은 노력과 관련합니다.

His success is related to effort.

Abstract relationship.

인터넷 속도는 위치와 관련할 수 있습니다.

Internet speed can be related to location.

Possibility with '~ㄹ 수 있다'.

전통 문화와 관련한 축제가 열립니다.

A festival related to traditional culture is being held.

Passive meaning in context.

이 연구는 뇌 과학과 관련합니다.

This research is related to brain science.

Scientific context.

정부는 부동산 정책과 관련하여 새로운 대책을 내놓았다.

The government released new measures regarding real estate policy.

Formal reporting style.

소비자 심리는 물가 상승과 직접적으로 관련합니다.

Consumer sentiment is directly related to rising prices.

Direct correlation.

이 논문은 현대 사회의 갈등과 관련한 주제를 다룹니다.

This paper deals with themes related to conflicts in modern society.

Academic '다루다' (to deal with).

범죄 예방은 지역 사회의 협력과 관련합니다.

Crime prevention is related to the cooperation of the local community.

Social context.

그의 발언은 이번 선거 결과와 관련할 가능성이 큽니다.

His remarks are highly likely to be related to the election results.

Probability '가능성이 크다'.

언어 학습은 문화적 이해와 떼려야 뗄 수 없이 관련합니다.

Language learning is inseparably related to cultural understanding.

Idiomatic expression '떼려야 뗄 수 없이'.

이 기술은 에너지 효율성과 관련한 혁신적인 발명입니다.

This technology is an innovative invention related to energy efficiency.

Praising technology.

작가의 어린 시절 경험은 그의 작품 세계와 관련합니다.

The author's childhood experiences are related to his world of work.

Literary analysis.

본 연구는 기후 변화가 해수면 상승에 미치는 영향과 관련하여 심층적인 분석을 수행하였다.

This study performed an in-depth analysis regarding the impact of climate change on sea-level rise.

High-level academic reporting.

해당 법안은 개인 정보 보호와 관련한 법적 쟁점을 포함하고 있다.

The bill in question includes legal issues related to personal information protection.

Legal terminology '법적 쟁점'.

기업의 사회적 책임은 브랜드 이미지 제고와 밀접하게 관련한다.

Corporate social responsibility is closely related to enhancing brand image.

Business strategy context.

이 철학적 담론은 존재의 본질과 관련한 근본적인 질문을 던진다.

This philosophical discourse poses fundamental questions related to the essence of existence.

Philosophical register.

유전적 요인은 특정 질병의 발병률과 유의미하게 관련한다.

Genetic factors are significantly related to the incidence of certain diseases.

Statistical significance '유의미하게'.

국제 정세의 변화는 국내 경제의 안정성과 직결되어 관련한다.

Changes in the international situation are directly linked and related to the stability of the domestic economy.

Using '직결되어' (directly linked).

이 예술 작품은 인간의 소외와 관련한 주제를 은유적으로 표현하고 있다.

This work of art metaphorically expresses themes related to human alienation.

Art criticism '은유적으로'.

디지털 전환은 노동 시장의 구조적 변화와 필연적으로 관련한다.

Digital transformation is inevitably related to structural changes in the labor market.

Inevitability '필연적으로'.

인식론적 관점에서 볼 때, 지식의 습득은 주체와 객체의 상호작용과 본질적으로 관련한다.

From an epistemological perspective, the acquisition of knowledge is essentially related to the interaction between subject and object.

Epistemological discourse.

헌법적 가치는 국가 권력의 정당성과 불가분하게 관련하며 민주주의의 근간을 이룬다.

Constitutional values are inseparably related to the legitimacy of state power and form the basis of democracy.

Constitutional law context.

양자 역학의 비국소성 원리는 우주의 근본적인 구조와 관련한 새로운 패러다임을 제시한다.

The principle of non-locality in quantum mechanics presents a new paradigm related to the fundamental structure of the universe.

Theoretical physics context.

언어적 상대성 가설은 인간의 사고 방식이 모국어의 구조와 관련한다는 주장을 담고 있다.

The linguistic relativity hypothesis contains the claim that human thought patterns are related to the structure of one's native language.

Linguistic theory.

거시 경제적 지표들은 상호 유기적으로 관련하며 국가의 총체적 경제 상태를 반영한다.

Macroeconomic indicators are organically interrelated and reflect the overall economic state of a nation.

Organic interrelation '유기적으로'.

미학적 가치 판단은 시대적 배경 및 문화적 담론과 복합적으로 관련하여 형성된다.

Aesthetic value judgments are formed in complex relation to the background of the times and cultural discourse.

Complex relation '복합적으로'.

역사적 인과 관계를 규명하는 작업은 수많은 사료의 진위 여부와 관련한 치밀한 검증을 필요로 한다.

The task of identifying historical causal relationships requires meticulous verification related to the authenticity of numerous historical records.

Historiography.

초월적 실재에 대한 탐구는 인간 유한성의 자각과 관련하여 종교적 심성의 심연을 드러낸다.

The quest for transcendental reality reveals the abyss of religious mentality in relation to the awareness of human finitude.

Theological/Philosophical depth.

Common Collocations

밀접하게 관련하다

직접적으로 관련하다

사건과 관련하다

업무와 관련하다

주제와 관련하다

범죄와 관련하다

경제와 관련하다

정치와 관련하다

서로 관련하다

깊이 관련하다

Common Phrases

Often Confused With

관련하다 vs 상관하다 (to care/interfere)

관련하다 vs 관계하다 (to relate/have sex)

관련하다 vs 연관되다 (to be associated)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Objective and formal.

frequency

Very high in media and professional life.

Common Mistakes

Using ~을/를 instead of ~와/과.
Confusing '관련' with '상관' in personal contexts.
Mispronouncing it as [Gwan-ryeon] instead of [Gwal-lyeon].
Overusing the active '관련하다' when '관련되다' is more natural.
Using it for personal 'relationships' (use '관계' instead).

Tips

Particle Check

Always pair 관련하다 with ~와/과. It's the most common mistake for beginners.

Noun Form

Learn the noun '관련' first. It makes learning the verb much easier.

Email Opening

Start your business emails with '[Topic]와 관련하여...' to sound professional.

Liquidization

Remember that ㄴ after ㄹ changes to ㄹ. Pronounce it as [Gwal-lyeon].

Precision

Use '밀접하게' (closely) to emphasize a strong connection.

News Reading

Look for '관련' in news apps. It will help you identify the subject quickly.

상관 vs 관련

Use '상관' for personal impact and '관련' for objective links.

Natural Flow

Use '관련해서' as a bridge when you want to switch topics smoothly.

Chain Link

Visualize a chain whenever you hear '관련'. Each link is related.

Passive Usage

Try using '관련되다' in your writing to sound more like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Gwan (Gate) + Ryeon (Link) = The gate is linked.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Used to explain how people know each other in formal introductions.

Essential for formal emails and reports.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"이 주제와 관련해서 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"당신의 업무는 무엇과 관련하나요?"

"최근 뉴스 중 환경과 관련한 소식이 있나요?"

"이 책은 당신의 전공과 관련하나요?"

"한국 문화와 관련한 경험이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 한 일 중 당신의 목표와 관련한 일은 무엇인가요?

당신의 성격은 어린 시절과 어떻게 관련하나요?

건강과 관련하여 당신이 하는 습관을 적어보세요.

최근 읽은 기사 중 사회 문제와 관련한 내용을 요약하세요.

당신의 꿈과 관련한 구체적인 계획을 세워보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

관련하다 is the active form, while 관련되다 is the passive form. In most cases describing a state, 관련되다 is more natural.

No, you should use the particle ~와/과 because it means 'to relate WITH'.

Yes, it is a relatively formal word, often used in news and business.

It means 'in relation to' or 'regarding' and is used to introduce a topic.

You wouldn't usually use 관련하다. Instead, use '상관없어'.

The spelling is 관련, but the pronunciation is [괄련] due to Korean phonological rules.

Yes, but '관계' is more common for personal relationships.

It is a person who is involved or related to a specific matter or case.

Yes, very frequently to describe correlations between variables.

Yes, but '관련 있어' sounds more natural than '관련해'.