Processing keyword: ～について (〜ni tsuite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～について (〜ni tsuite)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～について (〜ni tsuite) is a commonly used expression in Japanese that means "about," "concerning," or "regarding." It is essential for expressing topics of discussion, inquiries, or providing information related to a specific subject.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～について (〜ni tsuite): about; concerning; regarding.

Structure

Attach ～について directly to a noun to indicate the topic.

[Noun] + について

Formation Diagram

Component	Function
Noun	Topic of concern
について	Indicates "about"

Detailed Explanation

• Usage:
  • Use ～について to introduce the subject matter you want to discuss or inquire about.
  • It highlights the focus of your statement or question.
• Examples of Verbs Often Used with ～について:
  • 話す (はなす) - to talk
  • 聞く (きく) - to ask
  • 調べる (しらべる) - to investigate
  • 書く (かく) - to write
  • 考える (かんがえる) - to think

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～について with Similar Grammar Points

～に関して (〜ni kanshite)

• Meaning: regarding; concerning.
• Usage:
  • More formal than ～について.
  • Often used in official documents or formal speeches.

～に対して (〜ni taishite)

• Meaning: towards; against.
• Usage:
  • Indicates a direction of action or feeling towards something or someone.
  • Can express contrast or opposition.

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Grammar Point	Formality	Usage Context
～について	Casual	Everyday conversation
～に関して	Formal	Official contexts
～に対して	Neutral	Actions/feelings directed

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1: Casual Conversation

Japanese:
日本の歴史について興味があります。
(にほんのれきしについてきょうみがあります。) Romaji:
Nihon no rekishi ni tsuite kyōmi ga arimasu. Translation:
"I am interested in Japanese history."

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Example 2: Formal Writing

Japanese:
この件についてのご意見をお聞かせください。
(このけんについてのごいけんをおきかせください。) Romaji:
Kono ken ni tsuite no goiken o okikase kudasai. Translation:
"Please let us know your opinion regarding this matter."

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Example 3: Asking for Information

Japanese:
明日の会議について教えてもらえますか。
(あしたのかいぎについておしえてもらえますか。) Romaji:
Ashita no kaigi ni tsuite oshiete moraemasu ka. Translation:
"Could you tell me about tomorrow's meeting?"

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Example 4: Expressing Thoughts

Japanese:
環境保護について考えることは大切です。
(かんきょうほごについてかんがえることはたいせつです。) Romaji:
Kankyō hogo ni tsuite kangaeru koto wa taisetsu desu. Translation:
"Thinking about environmental protection is important."

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Example 5: Informal Inquiry

Japanese:
その映画についてどう思う？
(そのえいがについてどうおもう？) Romaji:
Sono eiga ni tsuite dō omou? Translation:
"What do you think about that movie?"

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Using ～について allows speakers to address topics politely, which is important in Japanese culture where respect and politeness are highly valued.
• It enables smooth conversations by clearly indicating the subject matter.

Idiomatic Expressions

～についての

• Usage: When modifying a noun after ～について, use の to connect them. Example:
  環境問題についての本を読んでいます。
  (かんきょうもんだいについてのほんをよんでいます。)
  "I am reading a book about environmental issues."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using ～について with Verbs Directly

• Incorrect:
  日本語を勉強についています。
  (Incorrect use of について with a verb)
• Correct:
  日本語について勉強しています。
  (にほんごについてべんきょうしています。)
  "I am studying about the Japanese language." Explanation:
  ～について should follow a noun, not a verb.

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Mistake 2: Omitting の When Modifying Nouns

• Incorrect:
  日本文化について本を読んだ。
• Correct:
  日本文化についての本を読んだ。
  (にほんぶんかについてのほんをよんだ。)
  "I read a book about Japanese culture." Explanation:
  When ～について modifies a noun, の is required to connect them.

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Remember that ～について attaches to nouns. If you want to use it with a verb, you must nominalize the verb.

  Example:

  • Use こと to nominalize verbs:
    将来について考えることが好きです。
    (しょうらいについてかんがえることがすきです。)
    "I like thinking about the future."

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "knee suit" as someone kneeling in a suit "about" to discuss something important, associating に ついて (ni tsuite) with "about."

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～について (〜ni tsuite) means "about," "concerning," or "regarding."
• Attach it directly to nouns to introduce the topic of discussion.
• Use の after ～について when modifying another noun.
• It is versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   彼の意見___聞きたいです。
   (I want to hear about his opinion.) Answer:
   彼の意見について聞きたいです。
2. True or False:
   You can use ～について directly with verbs without any changes. Answer:
   False. ～について attaches to nouns. Verbs need to be nominalized first.
3. Which is more formal, ～について or ～に関して? Answer:
   ～に関して is more formal.

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By practicing the usage of ～について, you'll be able to effectively communicate about various topics, enhancing your Japanese language proficiency.

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