관하여
관하여 em 30 segundos
- A formal way to say 'about' or 'regarding' in Korean.
- Used in academic, professional, and official contexts.
- Must be preceded by the particle '에' (e).
- Functions as an adverb modifying following verbs.
The phrase 관하여 (gwan-ha-yeo) is a cornerstone of formal Korean communication, functioning similarly to the English prepositions 'concerning,' 'regarding,' or 'with regard to.' Derived from the Hanja 關 (관 - to relate/concern) and the verb 하다 (ha-da - to do), it serves as an adverbial connector that links a noun to a subsequent action or discussion. While beginners often learn 대해 (dae-hae) first for 'about,' 관하여 elevates the register, making it indispensable for academic writing, legal documentation, news reporting, and high-level business presentations. It signals to the listener or reader that the topic following it is the specific subject of analysis, investigation, or formal inquiry.
- Grammatical Function
- It is almost always preceded by the particle 에 (e), forming the full phrase ~에 관하여. It modifies verbs that involve communication, thought, or research.
- Register and Tone
- Unlike the casual 'about' used in daily chatter, 관하여 suggests a structured or professional examination of a topic. You wouldn't use it to ask about a friend's lunch, but you would use it to discuss a company's financial policy.
우리는 새로운 정책에 관하여 심도 있게 논의했습니다. (We discussed the new policy in depth.)
Understanding the nuances of 관하여 requires recognizing its Hanja roots. The character 關 (관) implies a connection or a gate. Thus, when you speak 관하여, you are metaphorically opening a gate to a specific subject. This is why it is preferred in contexts like 'investigating concerning a crime' or 'researching concerning climate change.' It provides a clear, logical boundary for the conversation, ensuring that the scope is well-defined. In the CEFR B1 level, mastering this word marks the transition from simple conversational Korean to more sophisticated, professional-grade language use.
이 보고서는 한국의 경제 성장에 관하여 다루고 있습니다. (This report deals with Korea's economic growth.)
- Comparison with '대하여'
- 대하여 (dae-ha-yeo) is more versatile and can imply an attitude 'toward' something, whereas 관하여 is strictly about the 'content' or 'relation' of the topic.
Furthermore, 관하여 is frequently used in titles of books, essays, and articles. For example, a book titled 'On Happiness' would be translated as '행복에 관하여'. This usage mimics the Latin 'De' (as in De Rerum Natura). It sets a scholarly tone immediately. When you use this word, you are signaling to your audience that you have considered the topic thoroughly and are prepared to present information in a systematic way. It is the language of experts, scholars, and professionals.
The structural application of 관하여 follows a strict pattern: [Noun] + 에 관하여 + [Verb]. The preceding noun represents the topic, and the following verb describes what is being done in relation to that topic. Common verbs that pair with 관하여 include 말하다 (to speak), 쓰다 (to write), 조사하다 (to investigate), 생각하다 (to think), and 토론하다 (to discuss). Because it is an adverbial form, it cannot directly modify a noun. If you want to say 'a book *about* history,' you must use the adjectival form 관한 (역사에 관한 책).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 발표하다: To present concerning...
- 문의하다: To inquire regarding...
- 설명하다: To explain about...
그 문제에 관하여 아는 것이 있나요? (Do you know anything concerning that matter?)
One of the most important aspects of using 관하여 is understanding the particle 에. Without 에, the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect. It serves as the bridge that attaches the topic to the relational verb. In very formal writing, you might also see 관하여서는, where the particle 는 is added for emphasis or to provide contrast, implying 'As for [this topic] specifically...'
정부는 교육 개혁에 관하여 새로운 안을 발표했습니다. (The government announced a new plan regarding education reform.)
When constructing complex sentences, 관하여 allows for clear topical transitions. For instance, in a business email, you might start a paragraph with 'Regarding the meeting yesterday...' which in Korean would be '어제 회의에 관하여...'. This provides immediate context for the following sentences. It is also frequently used with the honorific ending ~습니다 or the polite ~어요, although the former is more common given the formal nature of the word itself. In literary contexts, you might find it used to introduce philosophical themes, such as '죽음에 관하여' (Concerning Death).
- Sentence Structure Breakdown
- [Topic Noun] + [에] + [관하여] + [Action/Description]. Example: 기술에 관하여 연구하다 (To research concerning technology).
In summary, using 관하여 correctly involves recognizing its role as a formal adverbial connector. It is the 'gold standard' for topicality in professional Korean. By practicing its placement before verbs of inquiry and communication, learners can significantly improve the sophistication of their written and spoken Korean. Remember: it is the 'gate' through which you enter a discussion about a specific subject.
In South Korea, 관하여 is a word that echoes through the halls of universities, the boardrooms of major corporations like Samsung or Hyundai, and the studios of news networks like KBS or MBC. If you turn on a nightly news broadcast, you will almost certainly hear an anchor say, '오늘 국회에서는 예산안에 관하여 치열한 공방이 이어졌습니다' (Today in the National Assembly, a fierce debate continued regarding the budget bill). It is the language of public discourse and official announcements.
- Academic Environment
- Professors use this word constantly when introducing lecture topics or assigning paper prompts. '이번 학기에는 근대사에 관하여 공부하겠습니다' (This semester, we will study concerning modern history).
- Legal and Official Documents
- Contracts, terms of service, and laws rely on 관하여 to define their scope. Clauses often begin with '본 계약에 관하여...' (Regarding this contract...).
[News Clip] 전문가들이 기후 변화에 관하여 경고하고 있습니다. (Experts are warning about climate change.)
While you might not hear 관하여 at a bustling street market or during a casual dinner with friends, it is the dominant form in documentaries and educational podcasts. For example, popular history podcasts in Korea often title their episodes '...에 관하여' to signal a deep dive into a specific era or figure. In literature, especially non-fiction and philosophy, 관하여 is used to establish the meditative or analytical tone of the work.
[Documentary] 이 다큐멘터리는 우주의 기원에 관하여 탐구합니다. (This documentary explores the origin of the universe.)
In summary, 관하여 is the voice of authority and structured thought. It is heard wherever information is being formally shared, analyzed, or debated. For a learner, being able to recognize and use 관하여 is like gaining access to the 'adult' world of Korean society, moving beyond basic needs and into the realm of ideas and professional exchange. It is a word that commands attention and respect for the topic being presented.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 관하여 is treating it exactly like the English word 'about' in all contexts. In English, 'about' is incredibly versatile—you can use it for casual estimates ('about five people') or formal topics ('a lecture about physics'). In Korean, 관하여 is strictly for the latter. Using it to mean 'approximately' is a major mistake; for that, you must use 약 (yak) or 정도 (jeong-do).
- Mistake 1: Omission of '에'
- Incorrect: 그 주제 관하여. Correct: 그 주제에 관하여. The particle 에 is grammatically mandatory to link the noun to the relational phrase.
- Mistake 2: Confusing '관하여' and '관한'
- Incorrect: 역사에 관하여 책. Correct: 역사에 관한 책. Use 관한 (adjective) when modifying a noun, and 관하여 (adverb) when modifying a verb.
Wrong: 5명 관하여 왔어요. (Incorrect use for 'approximately')
Right: 5명 정도 왔어요. (Correct use for 'approximately')
Another subtle mistake involves the difference between 관하여 and 대하여. While often interchangeable, 대하여 can imply an action directed *at* something (like 'shouting at the wall'), whereas 관하여 is strictly relational ('concerning'). If the relationship is purely about the subject matter, 관하여 is the safer, more formal choice. Lastly, ensure you don't double up on particles; 에 관하여 already contains the necessary relational markers.
Avoid: [Noun] 를 관하여 (Never use object particles here).
Use: [Noun] 에 관하여.
By avoiding these common pitfalls—specifically the confusion between adjectival and adverbial forms and the misuse of register—you will appear much more fluent and culturally aware. Korean grammar is precise about the relationship between words, and 관하여 is a prime example of where that precision matters most.
In Korean, there are several ways to say 'about' or 'regarding,' each with its own specific nuance and level of formality. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your speech to the appropriate situation. The most common synonym is 대하여 (dae-ha-yeo), which is widely used in both formal and semi-formal contexts. While 관하여 feels more academic, 대하여 is more versatile and can be used in a broader range of sentences.
- 대하여 (Dae-ha-yeo) vs. 관하여 (Gwan-ha-yeo)
- 관하여: Focuses on the objective relationship/topic (Concerning...).
- 대하여: Can focus on the topic OR the direction/attitude (Regarding/Toward...).
- 관련하여 (Gwan-ryeon-ha-yeo)
- This means 'in connection with' or 'related to.' It is even more specific than 관하여 and is often used in legal or investigative contexts to show a causal or direct link between two things.
사건에 관련하여 조사가 진행 중입니다. (An investigation is underway in connection with the case.)
For casual, everyday conversation, the shortened forms 대해 or 대해서 are the standard. You will rarely hear a Korean person say 관하여 when chatting with a friend at a cafe. Instead, they would say, '그 영화에 대해 어떻게 생각해?' (What do you think about that movie?). On the other end of the spectrum, 관한 is the adjectival form used specifically to modify nouns, as in '경제에 관한 뉴스' (News about the economy).
Casual: 어제 일에 대해서 미안해. (Sorry about yesterday.)
Formal: 어제 발생한 사건에 관하여 사과드립니다. (I apologize regarding the incident that occurred yesterday.)
Lastly, there is the pattern ~에 의하여 (by/according to), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning, focusing on the cause or agent of an action. Distinguishing between these '에 + [Hanja Verb] + 여' patterns is a key milestone in reaching advanced Korean proficiency. By choosing 관하여, you are selecting a word that emphasizes a formal, topical relationship above all else.
Curiosidade
The character 關 originally depicted a gate with two bars, symbolizing a point that connects or closes off. This is why '관하여' implies a specific, bounded topic.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'gwan' as 'guan' with too much 'u' sound.
- Dropping the 'h' sound (saying 'gwan-a-yeo').
- Confusing 'yeo' with 'yo'.
- Putting too much stress on the first syllable.
- Muffling the final 'yeo' sound.
Exemplos por nível
한국에 관하여 말해요.
Speak about Korea.
에 관하여 follows the noun '한국'.
날씨에 관하여 물어봐요.
Ask about the weather.
에 관하여 links '날씨' (weather) and '물어봐요' (ask).
이 책은 음식에 관하여 써요.
This book is written about food.
Simple formal structure for a topic.
가족에 관하여 이야기해요.
Talk about family.
Talk (이야기해요) concerning family (가족).
취미에 관하여 알려주세요.
Please let me know about your hobbies.
Formal request for information.
공부에 관하여 생각해요.
Think about studying.
Internal thought concerning a topic.
노래에 관하여 들어요.
Listen (to information) about a song.
Focus on the information concerning the song.
친구에 관하여 써요.
Write about a friend.
Basic writing topic.
새로운 계획에 관하여 설명해 주세요.
Please explain about the new plan.
Polite request for explanation.
그 문제에 관하여 알고 싶어요.
I want to know about that problem.
~고 싶어요 (want to) with 관하여.
우리는 여행에 관하여 회의했어요.
We had a meeting about the trip.
Meeting/Discussion concerning a topic.
한국 문화에 관하여 공부하고 있습니다.
I am studying about Korean culture.
Continuous tense ~고 있습니다.
그 영화에 관하여 친구와 이야기했습니다.
I talked with my friend about that movie.
Past tense ~었습니다.
이름의 의미에 관하여 물어봤습니다.
I asked about the meaning of the name.
Asking about a specific detail.
직업에 관하여 고민하고 있어요.
I am worrying about my job.
Worrying/Thinking deeply concerning a topic.
역사에 관하여 책을 읽었습니다.
I read a book (information) about history.
Focus on the content of the reading.
환경 오염에 관하여 토론을 진행하겠습니다.
We will proceed with a discussion concerning environmental pollution.
Formal future intention ~겠습니다.
정부는 새로운 법안에 관하여 발표했습니다.
The government made an announcement regarding the new bill.
Official announcement context.
그 사건에 관하여 자세히 조사해야 합니다.
We must investigate that incident in detail.
~해야 합니다 (must) with 관하여.
컴퓨터 보안에 관하여 강의를 들었습니다.
I attended a lecture concerning computer security.
Academic lecture context.
미래의 기술에 관하여 보고서를 썼습니다.
I wrote a report regarding future technology.
Formal writing context.
이 제품의 특징에 관하여 문의하고 싶습니다.
I would like to inquire about the features of this product.
Formal business inquiry.
전통 예술에 관하여 전시회가 열립니다.
An exhibition concerning traditional art is being held.
Passive context (is held).
성공의 비결에 관하여 인터뷰했습니다.
I interviewed (someone) concerning the secret of success.
Professional interview context.
인공지능의 윤리에 관하여 심도 있게 논의했습니다.
We discussed the ethics of AI in depth.
심도 있게 (in depth) often pairs with 관하여.
이 논문은 한국어 교육에 관하여 다루고 있습니다.
This thesis deals with Korean language education.
다루다 (to deal with) is a common pairing.
경제 위기에 관하여 전문가들의 의견이 갈리고 있습니다.
Experts' opinions are divided regarding the economic crisis.
Expressing divided opinions on a topic.
그 정책의 실효성에 관하여 의문이 제기되었습니다.
Questions have been raised regarding the effectiveness of that policy.
Passive formal expression '의문이 제기되다'.
외국어 학습의 효과에 관하여 연구를 수행했습니다.
I conducted research concerning the effects of foreign language learning.
연구를 수행하다 (conduct research) formal pairing.
개인 정보 보호에 관하여 규정이 강화되었습니다.
Regulations regarding personal information protection have been strengthened.
Legal/Regulatory context.
우주의 기원에 관하여 탐구하는 것은 흥미로운 일입니다.
Exploring concerning the origin of the universe is an interesting thing.
Gerund phrase using ~는 것.
사회적 불평등에 관하여 비판적인 시각을 가질 필요가 있습니다.
It is necessary to have a critical perspective regarding social inequality.
Expressing necessity in formal discourse.
본 연구는 다문화 사회의 통합에 관하여 고찰하고자 합니다.
This study intends to contemplate concerning the integration of multicultural societies.
고찰하고자 합니다 (intends to contemplate) - high academic register.
현대 철학의 흐름에 관하여 독창적인 해석을 제시했습니다.
He presented an original interpretation regarding the flow of modern philosophy.
제시하다 (to present/propose) formal pairing.
해당 사안에 관하여서는 추후에 다시 논의하기로 했습니다.
Regarding that specific matter, we decided to discuss it again later.
관하여서는 (with the contrastive particle) for specific focus.
기득권층의 권력 유지에 관하여 날카로운 비판이 이어졌습니다.
Sharp criticism continued regarding the maintenance of power by the ruling class.
Sociopolitical critique context.
인간 소외 현상에 관하여 실존주의적 관점에서 분석했습니다.
Analyzed concerning the phenomenon of human alienation from an existentialist perspective.
Perspective-based analysis.
계약의 이행에 관하여 분쟁이 발생할 경우 법원의 판결에 따릅니다.
In case of a dispute regarding the fulfillment of the contract, the court's judgment shall be followed.
Legal contract language.
언어와 사고의 관계에 관하여 다양한 가설이 존재합니다.
Various hypotheses exist concerning the relationship between language and thought.
Existence of scientific/theoretical ideas.
예술의 공공성에 관하여 사회적 합의가 필요합니다.
A social consensus is needed regarding the public nature of art.
Expressing the need for consensus.
형이상학적 실재에 관하여 변증법적 논리를 전개하고 있습니다.
He is developing a dialectical logic concerning metaphysical reality.
Highest academic/philosophical register.
국가 안보에 관하여 중대한 위협이 감지되었습니다.
A significant threat regarding national security has been detected.
High-level military/political intelligence context.
인간의 자유 의지에 관하여 결정론적 시각을 배제할 수 없습니다.
A deterministic view cannot be excluded concerning human free will.
Complex philosophical argumentation.
법률의 소급 적용에 관하여 헌법 재판소의 위헌 결정이 내려졌습니다.
A ruling of unconstitutionality was made by the Constitutional Court regarding the retroactive application of the law.
Specific legal terminology (retroactive application).
문명의 충돌에 관하여 거시적인 안목으로 접근해야 합니다.
We must approach concerning the clash of civilizations with a macroscopic perspective.
Global historical/sociological discourse.
자본의 논리에 관하여 마르크스주의적 비판을 재해석했습니다.
Reinterpreted the Marxist critique concerning the logic of capital.
Reinterpretation of classical theory.
생명 윤리에 관하여 범지구적인 차원의 논의가 시급합니다.
Discussions on a global scale concerning bioethics are urgent.
Urgency in global policy.
존재의 본질에 관하여 끊임없이 자문하며 진리를 탐구했습니다.
Constantly questioned himself concerning the essence of existence and explored the truth.
Spiritual/Existential exploration.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— About what? Used to ask for the specific topic.
무엇에 관하여 쓴 글인가요?
— Regarding this matter. Used in legal or business documents.
본 건에 관하여 이의를 제기합니다.
— Regarding detailed matters.
상세한 사항에 관하여는 홈페이지를 참조하세요.
— Concerning the overall content.
전반적인 내용에 관하여 훑어보았습니다.
— Concerning specific methods.
구체적인 방법에 관하여 가르쳐 주세요.
— Regarding personal reasons.
일신상의 사유에 관하여 사직서를 제출했습니다.
— Regarding the subject at hand.
해당 주제에 관하여 깊이 있게 다룹니다.
— Regarding the existing policy.
기존 방침에 관하여 변경 사항이 있습니다.
— Regarding the future schedule.
향후 일정에 관하여 다시 공지하겠습니다.
— Regarding the background of the work.
작품의 배경에 관하여 설명해 드릴게요.
Expressões idiomáticas
— Concerning death. Often used as a title for philosophical works.
그는 죽음에 관하여 명상을 했다.
Literary— Concerning love. A common theme in literature and art.
사랑에 관하여 정의하기는 어렵다.
General— Concerning human nature.
이 책은 인간의 본성에 관하여 탐구한다.
Academic— Regarding national security.
국가 안보에 관하여는 타협할 수 없다.
Political— Concerning success.
그는 성공에 관하여 강연을 했다.
General— Concerning happiness.
행복에 관하여 깊이 고민해 보았다.
General— Concerning the truth.
그는 진리에 관하여 평생을 바쳤다.
Philosophical— Concerning freedom.
자유에 관하여 토론할 시간이 필요하다.
General— Concerning justice.
이 영화는 정의에 관하여 질문을 던진다.
General— Concerning art.
예술에 관하여 문외한이다.
GeneralFamília de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'Gwan' as a 'Gate'. When you use '관하여', you are opening the 'Gate' to a specific topic.
Origem da palavra
Composed of the Hanja 關 (관 - gate/relation) and the verb 하다 (to do) in its connective form 하여.
Significado original: To act in relation to a specific 'gate' or point of connection.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).Summary
Mastering '관하여' allows you to transition from casual '대해' to professional 'concerning.' It is the key to sounding educated and precise in formal Korean writing and speeches. Example: '환경에 관하여 연구하다' (To research concerning the environment).
- A formal way to say 'about' or 'regarding' in Korean.
- Used in academic, professional, and official contexts.
- Must be preceded by the particle '에' (e).
- Functions as an adverb modifying following verbs.
Exemplo
이 문제에 관하여 논의할 것이 많습니다.
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Gramática relacionada
Mais palavras de business
에 대한
A2Sobre; em relação a; a respeito de. Usado para ligar dois substantivos (ex: um livro sobre a Coreia).
~대하여
A2Significa 'sobre' ou 'a respeito de'. É usado para indicar o assunto de uma conversa ou texto.
대해서
A2Sobre; a respeito de.
에 대해
A2Uma expressão que significa 'sobre' ou 'a respeito de'.
풍요롭다
A2Ser abundante, próspero ou rico.
관철하다
B2Levar adiante a própria vontade ou exigências apesar das dificuldades. 'Ele conseguiu fazer prevalecer sua vontade.'
~에 따라
B1De acordo com, dependendo de. Usado para indicar que algo segue uma regra ou depende de uma variável.
에 따라
A2Dependendo do tempo, o plano muda. (Dependendo de)
에 의하면
B1De acordo com as notícias, esta frase significa 'segundo' ou 'de acordo com'. Exemplo: 'Segundo o jornal, vai chover amanhã.'
계좌번호
A2Um número de conta bancária. Usado para transferências e pagamentos eletrônicos na Coreia.