Have you ever been in a conversation where you wanted to talk all about your favorite anime, your upcoming travel plans, or maybe even your deep thoughts on the best ramen in Tokyo?

But then you stop and wonder…
“Wait, how do I actually say ‘about’ in Japanese?”

That’s where について (ni tsuite) becomes your best friend!
It’s a super common N3 grammar point used to indicate the topic or subject you are talking, thinking, or writing about.

Think of it like a spotlight. 
You use について to shine a light on exactly what your topic is. Whether you’re explaining a project at work or chatting with friends about your weekend, this phrase adds clarity and focus to your Japanese.

Let’s dive in and learn how to use this essential expression with confidence!

に関して (ni kanshite) vs について (ni tsuite)
Both expressions mean “about” or “regarding,” but they are used in different situations and levels of formality.

に関して (ni kanshite)
に関して is more formal and stiff.
It is commonly used in news, business settings, official announcements, reports, or legal contexts. It often sounds objective and slightly distant, and can cover a broader or more technical scope.

調査結果に関してご報告いたします。
ちょうさ けっか に かんして ごほうこく いたします。
chousa kekka ni kanshite gohoukoku itashimasu.
I will report regarding the investigation results.

Use に関して when speaking or writing in formal, professional, or official situations.

について (ni tsuite)
について is more casual and flexible.
It is widely used in daily conversation, emails, school settings, and friendly explanations.
It sounds natural and approachable.

将来の夢について話しました。
しょうらい の ゆめ について はなしました。
shourai no yume ni tsuite hanashimashita.
I talked about my dreams for the future.

Use について in everyday situations when you simply want to state your topic clearly.

日本の文化についてもっと知りたいです。
にほん の ぶんか について もっと しりたい です。
nihon no bunka ni tsuite motto shiritai desu.
I want to know more about Japanese culture.

将来の夢について友達と話した。
しょうらい の ゆめ について ともだち と はなした。
shourai no yume ni tsuite tomodachi to hanashita.
I talked with my friend about our future dreams.

昨日のニュースについてどう思いますか？
きのう の にゅーす について どう おもいます か？
kinou no nyuusu ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?
What do you think about yesterday’s news?

これは、日本の着物についての本です。
これ は、にほん の きもの について の ほん です。
kore ha, nihon no kimono ni tsuite no hon desu.
This is a book about Japanese kimono.

試験のルールについての注意をよく読んでください。
しけん の るーる について の ちゅうい を よく よんで ください。
shiken no ruuru ni tsuite no chuui wo yoku yonde kudasai.
Please read the notes about the exam rules carefully.

<Conversation Example>
A: 来月の日本旅行について相談があるんだけど…。
らいげつ の にほん りょこう について そうだん が ある ん だけど…。
raigetsu no nihon ryokou ni tsuite soudan ga aru n dakedo…
I want to talk to you about my trip to Japan next month…

B: うん、もちろん！何について知りたいの？
うん、もちろん！なに について しりたい の？
un, mochiron! nani ni tsuite shiritai no?
Sure, of course! What do you want to know about?

• Grammar Point: について (ni tsuite)
• JLPT Level: N3
• Meaning: About, concerning, regarding
  
• Quick Explanation: Use について when you want to clearly point out the topic you are talking, thinking, or searching about.
  

So that’s how we use について!
It’s a simple but powerful expression that helps you clearly show what you’re talking about in Japanese. Once you get comfortable with it, conversations, explanations, and even questions become much smoother!

日本について知りたいことがあれば、いつでも聞いてね。
にほんについてしりたいことがあれば、いつでもきいてね。
Nihon ni tsuite shiritai koto ga areba, itsudemo kiite ne.
If there’s anything you want to know about Japan, feel free to ask anytime.

Now it’s your turn!
What topic would you like to talk about? Try making your own sentence with について!

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫✨

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