に関して

The Japanese expression に関して (ni kanshite) is a formal compound particle that translates most accurately to 'regarding,' 'concerning,' or 'in relation to' in English. While it shares a semantic foundation with the more common particle について (ni tsuite), it carries a significantly higher level of formality and precision. It is primarily utilized in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts where a speaker or writer needs to define a specific topic of inquiry, discussion, or regulation. Understanding に関して is essential for any learner moving into the B1 (Intermediate) level, as it marks the transition from everyday conversational Japanese to the structured language used in business meetings, news reports, and formal documentation.

Grammatical Origin

It is derived from the verb 関する (kansuru), which means 'to concern' or 'to be related to.' The 'te-form' に関して acts as a conjunction connecting a noun to the rest of the sentence.

Scope of Usage

It is used to introduce a broad subject matter. Unlike について, which can be used for personal thoughts or simple topics, に関して often implies a more objective or official relationship between the noun and the following action.

In a professional setting, using に関して demonstrates a level of sophistication and respect for the gravity of the topic. For instance, if you are asking a customer support representative about a policy, or if a manager is addressing staff about a change in company regulations, this phrase is the standard choice. It creates a professional distance and objective tone that について lacks. Furthermore, it has a noun-modifying form, に関する (ni kansuru), which is used to link two nouns directly, such as in 'documents regarding the contract' (契約に関する書類).

The nuance of に関して also extends to the breadth of the topic. It often encompasses not just the central point, but the surrounding circumstances and related details. When a scientist speaks に関して a discovery, they are referring to the whole context of the research, the methodology, and the implications, rather than just the discovery itself. This makes it a powerful tool for comprehensive communication.

Common Contexts

1. Business Reports and Emails: 'Regarding the attached file...'
2. Legal and Official Documents: 'Concerning the terms of service...'
3. Academic Lectures: 'In relation to the theory of relativity...'

In summary, に関して is a cornerstone of formal Japanese. It signals to the listener that the topic being introduced is one of significance and that the speaker is treating it with professional seriousness. Mastering its use allows learners to navigate formal environments with confidence and clarity.

Using に関して (ni kanshite) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and its relationship with other sentence elements. The most basic pattern is [Noun] + に関して. This structure functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb or the entire clause that follows. It is important to note that the noun preceding に関して must be a substantive concept—something that can be 'about' or 'related to,' such as a problem, a plan, a person, or an event.

Basic Pattern

[Noun] + に関して + [Action/Statement]
Example: 昨日の事件に関して、警察が調査しています。(The police are investigating regarding yesterday's incident.)

One of the most frequent variations is the addition of the topic marker は (wa), resulting in に関しては (ni kanshite wa). This is used to emphasize the topic or to set it apart from other subjects. It is often translated as 'As for...' or 'When it comes to...' For example, 'Regarding the price, it is negotiable' would be 価格に関しては、相談可能です. This nuance of contrast is very common in negotiations and comparative discussions.

Another formal variation is に関しまして (ni kanshimashite). This is the polite (teinei) version, used in extremely formal business emails, speeches, or when speaking to superiors. It replaces the 'shite' ending with the humble/polite 'shimashite' form of the verb 'suru.' If you are writing a formal inquiry to a Japanese company, using に関しまして will make your Japanese sound exceptionally professional and respectful.

Common Verbs Following 'に関して'

- 調べる (shiraberu - to investigate/research)
- 考える (kangaeru - to think/consider)
- 話し合う (hanashiau - to discuss)
- 質問する (shitsumon suru - to ask a question)
- 報告する (houkoku suru - to report)

Finally, consider the placement. While it usually appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence to set the stage, it can also be used to provide additional information at the end of a clause in complex sentences. However, for B1 learners, sticking to the [Noun] + に関して + [Verb] structure is the safest and most effective way to communicate clearly in formal settings.

In the real world, に関して (ni kanshite) is a staple of 'Public Japanese.' You will encounter it daily if you live in Japan, though not necessarily in casual conversations with friends at a bar. Instead, you will hear it in environments where information is being formally conveyed. One of the most common places is on public transportation. Train announcements often use this phrase when discussing delays or changes in service. For example, 'Regarding the delay on the Chuo Line...' (中央線の遅延に関して...).

News and Media

News anchors use に関して to introduce segments. 'Regarding the new law passed today...' (今日可決された新法に関して...). It provides a professional frame for the news item, signaling that the following information is factual and objective.

In the corporate world, に関して is ubiquitous. During a business meeting, when a participant wants to pivot the discussion to a specific agenda item, they will use this phrase. In emails, it is the standard way to reference a previous conversation or a specific document. 'Regarding the email I sent yesterday...' (昨日送ったメールに関して...). It helps in keeping business communication organized and focused. If you are working in Japan, you will likely write this phrase several times a day.

Academic settings are another prime location for に関して. Professors use it to define the scope of their lectures or research papers. In a university setting, you might hear, 'Regarding the history of the Edo period...' (江戸時代の歴史に関して...). It is also frequently found in the titles of academic articles, often in the form of ～に関する考察 (A study regarding...).

Customer Service

When you call a help desk, the automated voice or the operator will say, 'Regarding your inquiry...' (お問い合わせに関して...). This usage ensures that the interaction starts on a professional and helpful note.

Ultimately, に関して is the language of adulthood and professionalism in Japan. While you might not use it to talk about what you ate for lunch with a friend, you will use it for almost every significant interaction involving institutions, businesses, or formal learning.

While に関して (ni kanshite) is a powerful tool, it is also a source of common errors for intermediate learners. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with its more casual counterpart, について (ni tsuite). While they both mean 'about,' に関して is much more formal. Using に関して in a casual conversation with a close friend can make you sound unnaturally stiff or even sarcastic, as if you are treating a personal matter like a government report.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Noun Modification

Learners often try to use に関して to modify a noun directly.
Incorrect: 経済に関して本 (Keizai ni kanshite hon)
Correct: 経済に関する本 (Keizai ni kansuru hon)
Explanation: To modify a noun, you must use the dictionary form に関する.

Another common error is using に関して when the relationship between the two things is not 'aboutness' but rather 'direction' or 'target.' For example, if you want to say 'I am kind to my parents,' you cannot use に関して. You must use に対して (ni taishite). に関して is for topics of discussion or research, not for the target of an action or emotion.

A third mistake involves the scope of the topic. に関して is best suited for broad, abstract, or complex topics. Using it for very specific, physical objects in a simple sentence can feel 'off.' For example, saying 'Regarding this apple, I ate it' (このりんごに関して、食べました) sounds like a weirdly formal police report about a piece of fruit. In such cases, the simple object marker を or the topic marker は is much more natural.

Mistake 2: Overusing Formality

Don't use に関して in casual text messages or with classmates unless you are discussing a formal project. It can create an emotional distance that might be misinterpreted as coldness.

Finally, remember that に関して usually implies a certain level of investigation or deliberation. If you are just mentioning a topic in passing without any depth, について is usually sufficient and more natural.

Japanese has several ways to say 'about' or 'regarding,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most direct alternative to に関して (ni kanshite) is について (ni tsuite). While に関して is formal and objective, について is neutral and can be used in almost any situation, from casual chats to business meetings. If you are unsure which to use, について is usually the safer, more versatile choice.

に関して vs. について

に関して: Formal, academic, objective. Often used for broad topics or research. (e.g., 'Regarding the economic policy...')
について: Neutral, versatile, can be subjective. Used for personal thoughts or simple topics. (e.g., 'About my family...')

Another similar phrase is をめぐって (o megutte). This is specifically used when a topic is a subject of dispute, competition, or multiple viewpoints. It literally means 'to go around' something. If people are arguing 'about' a piece of land or a new law, をめぐって is the most appropriate choice. に関して is more general and doesn't necessarily imply conflict.

For even higher levels of formality, especially in written Japanese or very formal speeches, you might encounter につき (ni tsuki). While につき can also mean 'per' (e.g., 'one per person'), in formal notices, it means 'regarding' or 'due to.' You will often see this on signs: 'Closed due to construction' (工事につき、通行止め).

Summary Table

- について: General 'about.'
- に関して: Formal 'regarding.'
- をめぐって: 'About' something disputed/discussed by many.
- に対して: 'Toward' or 'against' a target.

Finally, にあたって (ni atatte) is used when something is done 'on the occasion of' or 'at the time of' a significant event. While it can sometimes be translated as 'regarding the start of...', its focus is on the timing and the special occasion, whereas に関して is focused on the content of the topic itself.