C1 Sentence Structure 12 min read Hard

Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论)

Use 关于 to introduce, 至于 to pivot, and 论 to evaluate specific aspects of a topic.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {关于|guānyú}, {至于|zhìyú}, and {论|lùn} to introduce a specific topic or shift focus in formal discourse.

  • Use {关于|guānyú} to introduce a general topic: {关于|guānyú}这个项目,我们有新计划。
  • Use {至于|zhìyú} to shift focus to a new sub-topic: {至于|zhìyú}预算,我们稍后再谈。
  • Use {论|lùn} for academic or argumentative discourse: {论|lùn}其重要性,此举不可忽视。
Marker + Topic + , + Comment

Overview

In English, we structure sentences around a subject performing an action: "The team will discuss the budget tomorrow." Chinese, however, is a topic-prominent language. This means it often prefers to first establish the topic—what the sentence is about—and then make a comment on it. This fundamental principle gives rise to formal structures that explicitly announce the topic.

The prepositions 关于 (guānyú), 至于 (zhìyú), and (lùn) are primary tools for this purpose, elevating your language from merely functional to precise and sophisticated.

Think of them as signposts in your communication. 关于 acts like a subject line, defining the overall scope of the discussion ("Regarding the budget..."). 至于 is a pivot, skillfully shifting the focus from one aspect to another related one ("\...as for the timeline...").

serves as an analytical lens, isolating a specific criterion for evaluation or comparison ("In terms of cost-effectiveness..."). Mastering their usage is essential for navigating formal, academic, and professional communication in Chinese, allowing you to frame arguments, structure reports, and lead discussions with clarity and authority. They are the bedrock of advanced sentence construction.

How This Grammar Works

The existence of 关于, 至于, and is a direct consequence of topic-prominence. In simpler sentences, this structure can be implicit. For instance, in 这个项目我负责 (zhège xiàngmù wǒ fùzé), "this project" is the topic, and "I am responsible for it" is the comment.
These formal prepositions make this relationship explicit and are indispensable when the topic is more abstract or needs to be clearly delineated from other potential topics.
Let's analyze the distinct function of each preposition:
  1. 1关于 (guānyú): Defining the Scope. The core function of 关于 is to introduce and demarcate the subject matter. It essentially says, "Everything I am about to say falls within the boundaries of this topic." It is neutral and objective, making it the standard choice for titles of articles, reports, and official notices. If you are writing an email, 关于 is the most professional way to begin your subject line, such as 关于第三季度财务报告的通知 (Notice Regarding the Q3 Financial Report). It sets a formal, informational tone.
  1. 1至于 (zhìyú): The Art of the Pivot. 至于 is a discourse marker used to manage the flow of conversation. Its fundamental role is to shift focus from a previously established topic to a new, but related, one. It cannot be used in a vacuum; it requires context. Imagine you've finished discussing a project's strategic goals. To move the conversation to logistics, you would use 至于 to signal this transition: 战略目标我们已经达成共识,至于具体的执行细节,我们明天再讨论。 (We've reached a consensus on the strategic goals; as for the specific implementation details, we will discuss them tomorrow). It creates a logical bridge, ensuring the conversation feels structured rather than random.
  1. 1 (lùn): The Evaluator's Lens. Derived from verbs like 讨论 (tǎolùn, to discuss) and 评论 (pínglùn, to critique), isolates a single criterion for judgment, comparison, or evaluation. When you use , you are asking your audience to consider the topic from one specific angle, temporarily ignoring all others. For example, in 这两种手机,性能,A更强;价格,B更优。 (Between these two phones, in terms of performance, A is stronger; in terms of price, B is better), allows for a nuanced comparison by breaking it down into distinct criteria. It is inherently analytical and is frequently used in reviews, debates, and comparative analyses.

Word Order Rules

The placement of these topic-marking prepositional phrases is strict and follows a cardinal rule of Chinese grammar: modifiers generally precede the elements they modify. The topic phrase, therefore, almost always comes before the comment about that topic.
The Core Structure: The phrase formed by [Preposition + Topic] consistently appears at the beginning of the sentence or clause it frames.
  • Formula: [关于/至于/论 + Noun/Noun Phrase], [Comment Clause]
  • Example: 关于公司的未来发展,董事会提出了几个新方向。 (guānyú gōngsī de wèilái fāzhǎn, dǒngshìhuì tíchūle jǐ ge xīn fāngxiàng.) — Regarding the company's future development, the board proposed several new directions.
The 关于...的 (de) Adjectival Rule: This is a critical distinction. When a 关于 phrase is not introducing the topic of a whole clause but is instead modifying a noun directly, it functions as an adjectival phrase and must be followed by (de).
  • Structure: 关于 + Topic + + Noun
  • Example: 我正在阅读一本关于宋代历史书。 (Wǒ zhèngzài yuèdú yī běn guānyú Sòngdài lìshǐ de shū.) — I am reading a book about Song Dynasty history.
  • Contrast: Notice the difference in function. In the first case (关于宋代历史,这本书写得很详细), the topic is "Song Dynasty history." In the second (一本关于宋代历史的书), the 关于 phrase describes what kind of "book" it is.
The Positional Constraint of 至于: Because its function is to pivot, 至于 cannot initiate a discourse. It must follow a preceding clause that establishes the initial context. Using it to start a new conversation is grammatically and logically incorrect.
  • Incorrect: 至于天气,今天很不错。 (This feels abrupt and unanchored.)
  • Correct: 我们今天玩得很开心,至于天气,也确实很给力。 (Wǒmen jīntiān wán de hěn kāixīn, zhìyú tiānqì, yě quèshí hěn gěilì.) — We had a lot of fun today, and as for the weather, it was also indeed excellent.

Formation Pattern

1
Understanding the standard patterns is key to using these structures correctly. The following table breaks down the most common formations.
2
| Structure | Pattern | Example | Function & Notes |
3
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
4
| 关于 (Topic) | 关于 + Topic + , + Comment | 关于这个提案,我认为还有讨论的空间。 (guānyú zhège tí'àn, wǒ rènwéi háiyǒu tǎolùn de kōngjiān.) | Introduces the main subject of the following clause. The comma is common but sometimes omitted in shorter sentences. |
5
| 关于...的 (Modifier) | 关于 + Topic + + Noun | 所有关于这个项目文件都在这里。 (suǒyǒu guānyú zhège xiàngmù de wénjiàn dōu zài zhèlǐ.) | Functions as an adjectival phrase to describe the noun. The is not optional. |
6
| 至于 (Pivot) | Clause A + , + 至于 + Topic B + , + Comment B | 房子的设计我很满意,至于装修费用,我们得再商量一下。 (fángzi de shèjì wǒ hěn mǎnyì, zhìyú zhuāngxiū fèiyòng, wǒmen děi zài shāngliang yīxià.) | Shifts the focus from Topic A (design) to a related Topic B (cost). Essential for structuring complex information. |
7
| (Evaluation) | + Criterion + , + Evaluation/Comparison | 学历,他不是最高的;但实践能力,没人比得过他。 (lùn xuélì, tā bùshì zuìgāo de; dàn lùn shíjiàn nénglì, méi rén bǐdegò tā.) | Isolates a specific aspect for judgment. Often used in parallel structures for direct comparison. |
8
Advanced Patterns & Variations:
9
关于你所说的...: The addition of (suǒ) before a verb creates a highly formal tone, common in written Chinese. 关于你提到的那个问题... (guānyú nǐ suǒ tídào de nàge wèntí...) means "Regarding the problem that you mentioned..."
10
论 A 论 B: This parallel structure (论A...,论B...) is a powerful rhetorical device for balanced analysis. 这个候选人,论口才,无可挑剔;论经验,稍显不足。 (zhège hòuxuǎnrén, lùn kǒucái, wúkětiāotī; lùn jīngyàn, shāo xiǎn bùzú.) — This candidate, in terms of eloquence, is impeccable; in terms of experience, is slightly lacking.
11
至于吗? (zhìyú ma?): A very common colloquial rhetorical question. It translates to "Is it really that serious?" or "Do you have to go that far?" and expresses disbelief at someone's overreaction. 不就是丢了一支笔吗,至于这么难过吗? (bù jiùshì diūle yī zhī bǐ ma, zhìyú zhème nánguò ma?) — You just lost a pen, is it necessary to be this upset?

When To Use It

The choice between these structures depends entirely on your communicative goal and the context.
  • Formal & Academic Writing: This is the primary domain for these patterns. Use 关于 to introduce the topic in an abstract or the opening paragraph of an essay. Use 至于 to transition between different sections or arguments. Use in the main body to conduct a detailed analysis. For example, a paper might be titled 关于人工智能伦理问题的探讨 (A Discussion on the Ethical Issues of Artificial Intelligence).
  • Business Communication: In emails, reports, and presentations, these structures convey professionalism and logical thinking. An email subject line like 关于会议延期的通知 (Notice Regarding the Postponement of the Meeting) is standard. In a presentation, you might say: 今天我们主要讨论产品A。至于产品B,我们下周再谈。 (Today we'll mainly discuss Product A. As for Product B, we'll talk about it next week.)
  • Structured Debates & Discussions: is indispensable in any debate. It allows you to concede a minor point to strengthen your main argument. 好,我承认论价格对方的产品有优势,但是论安全性和长期可靠性,我们的方案是完胜的。 (Okay, I admit that in terms of price, their product has an advantage, but in terms of safety and long-term reliability, our solution is a clear winner.)
  • Educated Spoken Chinese: While formal, these are not confined to writing. 至于 is extremely common in daily planning among native speakers (我们先去看电影,至于晚饭吃什么,到时候再说。 — We'll go see the movie first; as for what to have for dinner, we'll decide then). appears in passionate but structured casual debates about sports, technology, or art. 关于 is used verbally when one wants to formally introduce a topic for serious discussion.

Common Mistakes

Learners at the C1 level often struggle with the subtle but strict distinctions between these and other similar-looking patterns.
1. The 关于 vs. 对于 Trap
This is the most frequent and nuanced error. While both can be translated as "regarding" or "about," their grammatical function is different.
  • 关于 (guānyú) introduces a scope. It's about "aboutness." Use it when the main verb of the comment is not an opinion or action directed specifically at the topic. Think of it as defining the general subject matter.
  • 对于 (duìyú) specifies the target of an action, attitude, or perception. The comment is directed towards the topic.
| Situation | Correct Choice | Example | Analysis |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Introducing the scope of a document/discussion | 关于 | 关于环境保护的法律有很多。 (guānyú huánjìng bǎohù de fǎlǜ yǒu hěnduō.) | The laws are "about" environmental protection. There's no action directed at the topic. |
| Expressing an opinion/feeling towards something | 对于 | 对于这个结果,我感到很失望。 (duìyú zhège jiéguǒ, wǒ gǎndào hěn shīwàng.) | The feeling of disappointment is directed "at" the result. |
| Modifying a noun with "about" | 关于...的 | 这是一本关于唐代诗人书。 (zhè shì yī běn guānyú Tángdài shīrén de shū.) | The book's content is "about" Tang Dynasty poets. |
| An action directed at a noun | 对于...的 | 大家对于决定表示理解。 (dàjiā duìyú tā de juédìng biǎoshì lǐjiě.) | The understanding is directed "towards" his decision. |
2. Initiating a Conversation with 至于
A fundamental error. 至于 is a bridge, and a bridge cannot exist with only one side. Always ensure there is a preceding statement to pivot from.
  • Wrong: (Walking up to a friend) 至于我们今晚的计划,你有什么想法?
  • Right: 白天的会议很成功。至于我们今晚的计划,你有什么想法? (The meeting during the day was a success. As for our plans for tonight, what are your thoughts?)
3. Using to Mean "About"
is for evaluation, not general introduction. Using it incorrectly can sound awkward or even arrogant, as if you are about to pass judgment.
  • Wrong: 我想跟你谈我的工作。 (This sounds like you're about to critique your job, not just talk about it.)
  • Correct: 我想跟你谈谈关于我工作的事。 (I want to talk with you about matters regarding my work.)

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Distinguishing these structures from others that seem similar is a mark of true fluency.
  • 关于 vs. 有关 (yǒuguān): 有关 means "related to" or "relevant." Unlike 关于, which is always a preposition, 有关 is more flexible. It can be a verb (这件事与你有关 - This matter is related to you) or an adjective, often before a noun (请联系有关部门 - Please contact the relevant departments). 关于 defines a direct topic, while 有关 points to a connection or relevance.
  • 至于 vs. 甚至 (shènzhì) / 甚至于 (shènzhìyú): This contrast is about function. 至于 shifts to a different topic. 甚至 and 甚至于 mean "even" or "to the extent that," introducing an extreme or unexpected case within the same topic. Example: 他工作很努力,甚至周末也在加班。 (He works very hard, even working overtime on weekends). The focus remains on his work ethic. 至于 would change the subject entirely: 他工作很努力,至于他的私生活,我就不了解了。 (He works hard; as for his private life, I don't know much about it.)
  • vs. (àn) / 按照 (ànzhào): This is a contrast between evaluation and compliance. establishes a criterion for judgment. and 按照 mean "according to" a pre-existing rule, plan, standard, or instruction. is subjective and analytical; 按照 is objective and procedural. Compare: 按照法律,我们必须申报税务。 (According to the law, we must file taxes) versus 公平,这个税收政策并不合理。 (In terms of fairness, this tax policy is not reasonable.)

Real Conversations

S

Scenario 1

Project Management on Slack
T

Team Lead

OK团队,关于Q4的KPI我们已经基本确定了。主要是提高用户留存率。 (Alright team, regarding the Q4 KPIs, we've basically confirmed them. The main goal is to increase user retention.)
M

Member A

收到。 (Roger.)
T

Team Lead

至于具体的执行方案,市场部和产品部下周一前各提交一份草案。 (As for the specific implementation plan, Marketing and Product departments should each submit a draft before next Monday.)
S

Scenario 2

Tech Review on Bilibili

Uploader (in video): 这款新发布的笔记本电脑,论设计,绝对是今年的顶级水准。全金属机身,做工非常扎实。 (This newly released laptop, in terms of design, is absolutely top-tier this year. Full metal body, very solid workmanship.)

Uploader (continues): 但是,论性能释放,它就比较保守了。玩大型游戏可能会有点吃力。 (However, in terms of performance output, it's rather conservative. It might struggle a bit with demanding games.)

S

Scenario 3

Friends Planning a Trip via WeChat
F

Friend A

去云南的机票我刚买好了,下周末出发。 (I just bought the plane tickets to Yunnan, departing next weekend.)
F

Friend B

太棒了!至于住宿,你倾向于住民宿还是酒店? (Awesome! As for accommodation, do you prefer to stay in a guesthouse or a hotel?)
F

Friend A

嗯...论风景,民宿肯定更好。但论方便和干净,我还是选酒店吧。 (Hmm... in terms of scenery, guesthouses are definitely better. But in terms of convenience and cleanliness, I'd still choose a hotel.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Are these structures only for formal writing?

No. While they reach their peak formality in writing, they are integral to educated spoken Chinese. 至于 is extremely common in everyday conversation for organizing thoughts. is standard in any kind of debate, even casual ones about sports or movies. 关于 is more formal but is used verbally whenever a speaker wants to clearly and seriously introduce a new topic of conversation.

Q: What is the difference between 关于你说的 and 至于你说的?

The nuance lies in the flow of conversation. 关于你说的... ("Regarding what you said...") takes what you said and makes it the central topic of discussion. It's a direct engagement. 至于你说的... ("As for what you said...") implies a shift. It signals that a previous topic has concluded (or been put on hold), and now the conversation is turning to what you said as a separate, subsequent point.

Q: Can be used to evaluate a person, like 论他...?

Yes, absolutely. It's a very common construction. 论他... means "When it comes to him..." or "As far as he is concerned..." and sets up an evaluation of his character or abilities. For example: 论他,没什么可信的,他总是夸大其词。 (lùn tā, méishénme kě xìn de, tā zǒng shì kuādàqící.) — When it comes to him, there's nothing credible; he always exaggerates.

Q: Can I use 关于 at the end of a sentence?

No. As a preposition, 关于 must be followed by its noun phrase (the topic). The entire [关于 + Topic] phrase must precede the comment clause. It cannot function as a standalone predicate or appear at the end of a sentence.

Topic-Comment Structure Table

Marker Topic Comment Register
关于
这个项目
我们有新想法
Formal
至于
预算
我们稍后再谈
Formal
能力
他非常出色
Formal/Academic
关于
会议
时间改了
Neutral
至于
细节
我不清楚
Neutral
经验
你最丰富
Formal

Meanings

These particles function as discourse markers that establish a 'topic-comment' relationship, signaling to the listener that the following clause is specifically about the introduced noun phrase.

1

General Topic Introduction

Introducing a subject for discussion.

“{关于|guānyú}这个问题,我们已经讨论过了。”

“{关于|guānyú}未来,你有何打算?”

2

Topic Shifting

Moving from one topic to another.

“我们谈完了销售,{至于|zhìyú}市场推广,我们明天再聊。”

“{至于|zhìyú}他是否同意,我并不清楚。”

3

Academic Argumentation

Introducing a subject for critical analysis.

“{论|lùn}其艺术价值,这幅画是无价的。”

“{论|lùn}能力,他确实比我强。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论)
Form Structure Example
Topic Intro
关于 + Topic + , + Comment
{关于|guānyú}天气,我们明天再看。
Topic Shift
至于 + Topic + , + Comment
{至于|zhìyú}午饭,我们吃面吧。
Evaluation
论 + Topic + , + Comment
{论|lùn}才华,他无人能及。
Question
关于 + Topic + , + Question?
{关于|guānyú}这个,你有什么想法?
Negative
关于 + Topic + , + Negative
{关于|guānyú}那件事,我没听说。
Comparison
论 + Topic + , + Comparison
{论|lùn}大小,这个更大。

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{关于|guānyú}会议时间,我们稍后通知。

{关于|guānyú}会议时间,我们稍后通知。 (Professional meeting)

Neutral
会议时间我们等下通知。

会议时间我们等下通知。 (Professional meeting)

Informal
会议时间还没定。

会议时间还没定。 (Professional meeting)

Slang
会议时间再说吧。

会议时间再说吧。 (Professional meeting)

Topic-Comment Markers

Topic Markers

Introduction

  • 关于 Regarding

Transition

  • 至于 As for

Evaluation

  • In terms of

Examples by Level

1

{关于|guānyú}这个,我不知道。

About this, I don't know.

2

{至于|zhìyú}他,我不认识。

As for him, I don't know him.

3

{关于|guānyú}书,我喜欢。

About books, I like them.

4

{至于|zhìyú}钱,我没有。

As for money, I don't have any.

1

{关于|guānyú}明天的计划,我们还没定。

Regarding tomorrow's plan, we haven't decided.

2

{至于|zhìyú}地点,我们可以选公园。

As for the location, we can choose the park.

3

{关于|guānyú}这次考试,很难。

Regarding this exam, it is very hard.

4

{至于|zhìyú}结果,我不担心。

As for the result, I am not worried.

1

{关于|guānyú}这个项目的进展,我们需要开会讨论。

Regarding the progress of this project, we need to have a meeting.

2

{至于|zhìyú}预算问题,财务部会处理。

As for the budget issue, the finance department will handle it.

3

{论|lùn}速度,这台电脑很快。

In terms of speed, this computer is very fast.

4

{关于|guānyú}环保,每个人都有责任。

Regarding environmental protection, everyone has a responsibility.

1

{关于|guānyú}公司未来的战略,管理层有不同意见。

Regarding the company's future strategy, the management has different opinions.

2

{至于|zhìyú}人员调动,下周会有通知。

As for personnel changes, there will be a notice next week.

3

{论|lùn}其影响力,这部电影是空前的。

In terms of its influence, this movie is unprecedented.

4

{关于|guānyú}法律法规,我们必须严格遵守。

Regarding laws and regulations, we must strictly comply.

1

{关于|guānyú}全球气候变暖的议题,学术界争论不休。

Regarding the issue of global warming, the academic community is debating endlessly.

2

{至于|zhìyú}具体的实施方案,尚需进一步论证。

As for the specific implementation plan, it still needs further verification.

3

{论|lùn}其历史地位,该事件具有里程碑意义。

In terms of its historical status, this event has milestone significance.

4

{关于|guānyú}人工智能的伦理挑战,我们需要深思。

Regarding the ethical challenges of AI, we need to reflect deeply.

1

{论|lùn}其文学造诣,此作堪称典范。

In terms of its literary accomplishment, this work can be called a model.

2

{至于|zhìyú}那些陈年旧事,早已随风而去。

As for those old stories, they have long since gone with the wind.

3

{关于|guānyú}宇宙起源的探索,人类从未停止。

Regarding the exploration of the origin of the universe, humanity has never stopped.

4

{论|lùn}其复杂程度,此系统远超预期。

In terms of its complexity, this system far exceeds expectations.

Easily Confused

Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论) vs 关于 vs 对于

Both introduce topics, but {关于|guānyú} is for general subjects, {对于|duìyú} is for targets of actions.

Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论) vs 至于 vs 那么

Both transition, but {至于|zhìyú} is for topics, {那么|nàme} is for logical sequence.

Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论) vs 论 vs 谈论

One is a particle, one is a verb.

Common Mistakes

关于去吃饭。

关于吃饭这件事,我们去哪儿?

Must follow with a noun phrase.

至于我,喜欢。

至于我,我喜欢。

Need a full subject in the comment clause.

论这个,很好。

论质量,这个很好。

论 requires a specific aspect to evaluate.

关于他,他很聪明。

关于他,他确实很聪明。

Redundancy can be avoided, but the structure needs a clear comment.

Sentence Patterns

{关于|guānyú}___,我们有新想法。

{至于|zhìyú}___,我们稍后再谈。

{论|lùn}___,他确实很出色。

{关于|guānyú}___,你有什么建议?

Real World Usage

Business Email constant

{关于|guānyú}合同细节,请查阅附件。

Meeting Presentation very common

{至于|zhìyú}下一步,我们将重点关注市场。

Academic Debate common

{论|lùn}其逻辑性,此观点有待商榷。

Performance Review common

{论|lùn}工作态度,你一直很积极。

Project Update very common

{关于|guānyú}进度,目前一切顺利。

Negotiation common

{至于|zhìyú}价格,我们无法再让步。

💡

Use the Comma

Always place a comma after the topic to clearly separate it from the comment.
⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using these in every sentence makes you sound like a robot. Use them only when shifting topics.
🎯

Formal Writing

These are your best friends for writing clear, professional Chinese reports.
💬

Tone Matters

These markers convey a sense of seriousness and structure, which is highly valued in Chinese professional culture.

Smart Tips

Use {关于|guānyú} to clearly state your topic at the start.

我们要谈项目。 {关于|guānyú}本项目,我们要谈以下几点。

Use {至于|zhìyú} to signal the shift.

现在谈预算。 {至于|zhìyú}预算,我们稍后再谈。

Use {论|lùn} to frame your evaluation.

他能力很好。 {论|lùn}能力,他确实很出色。

Start with {关于|guānyú} to define the email's purpose.

我想谈谈合同。 {关于|guānyú}合同事宜,我想与您沟通。

Pronunciation

guān-yú, zhì-yú

Tone consistency

Ensure the fourth tone of {关于|guānyú} and {至于|zhìyú} is crisp.

Topic-Comment Pause

Marker + Topic [pause] + Comment

The pause is essential for clarity.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of these as 'Topic Tags' in a digital filing system.

Visual Association

Imagine a librarian placing a label on a box. {关于|guānyú} is the 'General' label, {至于|zhìyú} is the 'Switch' label, and {论|lùn} is the 'Expert Analysis' label.

Rhyme

关于开头引话题,至于转折换重点,论字用来做评价,正式场合最常见。

Story

In a meeting, the boss says '{关于|guānyú}销售,我们很好。' Then he pauses and says '{至于|zhìyú}成本,我们需要降低。' Finally, he concludes '{论|lùn}效率,我们是第一。'

Word Web

关于至于话题讨论评价转折正式

Challenge

Write three sentences about your day using each marker.

Cultural Notes

Used to show respect and professional distance.

Common in formal lectures.

Often used in bilingual business environments.

These markers evolved from classical Chinese verbs and prepositions that functioned to introduce topics in formal prose.

Conversation Starters

{关于|guānyú}你的工作,你最喜欢什么?

{论|lùn}学习中文,你觉得最难的是什么?

{关于|guānyú}未来五年,你有什么计划?

{论|lùn}生活方式,你更喜欢城市还是乡村?

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite hobby.
Compare two cities you have lived in.
Discuss a current event.
Evaluate your own professional skills.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct marker.

___ 这个问题,我们明天讨论。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于
关于 is the best fit for introducing a general topic.
Choose the most formal marker. Multiple Choice

___ 其价值,这件艺术品是无价的。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
论 is used for evaluation.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

关于去公园。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于去公园,我们去吗?
Needs a full comment clause.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于预算,我们稍后谈。
Standard topic-comment order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

As for the time, let's meet at 5.

Answer starts with: 至于时...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于时间,我们5点见。
至于 is best for shifting focus to time.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '关于' to introduce 'the project'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于项目,我们有进展。
Correct topic-comment structure.
Match the marker to its function. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
Standard definitions.
Which is most natural? Multiple Choice

___ 他的能力,他确实很强。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
论 is specifically for evaluating ability.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct marker.

___ 这个问题,我们明天讨论。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于
关于 is the best fit for introducing a general topic.
Choose the most formal marker. Multiple Choice

___ 其价值,这件艺术品是无价的。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
论 is used for evaluation.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

关于去公园。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于去公园,我们去吗?
Needs a full comment clause.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

我们 / 稍后 / 至于 / 谈 / 预算

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于预算,我们稍后谈。
Standard topic-comment order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

As for the time, let's meet at 5.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于时间,我们5点见。
至于 is best for shifting focus to time.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '关于' to introduce 'the project'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于项目,我们有进展。
Correct topic-comment structure.
Match the marker to its function. Match Pairs

1. 关于 2. 至于 3. 论

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
Standard definitions.
Which is most natural? Multiple Choice

___ 他的能力,他确实很强。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
论 is specifically for evaluating ability.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

他虽然脾气好,但___原则问题,他绝不退让。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于
Choose the most natural response to a minor complaint. Multiple Choice

A: 他居然忘了回我消息,我气得一晚上没睡。 B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于吗?
Arrange the sentence fragments. Sentence Reorder

[至于], [什么时候], [再谈], [出发], [我们], [以后]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于什么时候出发我们以后再谈
Translate to Chinese using '论'. Translation

In terms of popularity, this song is the best this year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 论受欢迎程度,这首歌是今年最棒的。
Match the marker to its context. Match Pairs

Match the items:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于:Broad Topic, 至于:Pivot/Shift, 论:Evaluation
Correct the usage of '关于'. Error Correction

我刚看了一本关于写代码。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我刚看了一本关于写代码的书。
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

___这次活动,我们收到了很多积极的反馈。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于
Which sentence evaluates quality? Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 论质量,这个牌子很有名。
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

[关于], [通知], [已经], [了], [这件事], [大家], [都]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 关于这件事大家都已经收到通知了
Translate: 'As for the money, I've already paid.' Translation

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 至于钱,我已经付了。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

You can, but they sound very formal. Use them mainly in work or academic settings.

Yes. {关于|guānyú} is for general topics; {对于|duìyú} is for targets of actions.

The comma helps the listener identify the topic before the comment begins.

Yes, they are great for introducing a topic you want to ask about.

No. {至于|zhìyú} implies a shift, while {关于|guānyú} is neutral.

Turn it into a noun phrase, e.g., 'eating' becomes 'the matter of eating'.

Use them sparingly. Don't start every sentence with one.

They are essential for formal writing and reports.

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 particles are suffixes; Chinese markers are prefixes.

German moderate

bezüglich

German prepositions require case changes.

Spanish moderate

con respecto a

Spanish phrases are longer and less 'particle-like'.

French moderate

concernant

French is more flexible with positioning.

Arabic high

بخصوص (bi-khusus)

Arabic is a Semitic language with different root structures.

Chinese self

关于

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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