Posted inN3 Grammar

Mastering JLPT N3 Grammar: に関する / に関して (ni kansuru / ni kanshite)

Posted inN3 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

Expresses a relationship or connection between the preceding noun and the following information (noun or clause). Means “regarding,” “concerning,” “related to,” or “on the subject of.”

🎯 Primary Function

To specify the topic or subject that the following noun (for に関する) or clause (for に関して) is about.

📋 Grammar Structure

Noun + に関する + Noun Noun + に関して

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Frequently used in formal speech, presentations, meetings, and official announcements.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely used in casual conversations among friends or family.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in written materials such as news articles, reports, academic papers, official documents, and formal letters.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal spoken contexts, but less frequently than in writing.

💡 Common Applications

Introducing the topic of a report or article.
Used after the topic noun to indicate that the following text is about that topic.
Example: この問題に関する報告書を作成しました。 (Kono mondai ni kansuru hōkokusho o sakusei shimashita.) – I created a report concerning this issue.
Making an inquiry or statement about a specific subject.
Used after the subject noun to specify what the inquiry or statement is related to.
Example: その件に関しまして、いくつか質問がございます。 (Sono ken ni kanしまして, ikutsuka shitsumon ga gozaimasu.) – Regarding that matter, I have a few questions.
Modifying a noun to indicate its topic.
関する directly modifies a noun that follows it, indicating what the noun (e.g., information, report, question) is about.
Example: 環境問題に関する研究が進められています。 (Kankyō mondai ni kansuru kenkyū ga susumerarete imasu.) – Research related to environmental problems is progressing.
📊
Frequency
Common, especially in formal and written contexts.
🎚️
Difficulty
N3 (Intermediate-Advanced). Requires understanding its formal nuance and the grammatical difference between 関する and 関して.
Example Sentences
事故の原因に関する調査が始まりました。
An investigation concerning the cause of the accident has begun.
この新しい政策に関して、皆様のご意見を伺いたいです。
Regarding this new policy, I would like to hear everyone’s opinions.
彼は日本経済に関する専門家です。
He is an expert on the Japanese economy.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Formal Expression
に関する / に関して are relatively formal expressions. Use them in formal or polite situations and writing, not casual conversation.
Example: Okay: 会議の内容に関する資料を配ります。 (Kaigi no naiyō ni kansuru shiryō o kubarimasu.) – I will distribute materials regarding the content of the meeting. Not Okay (Casual): 友達との話に関して、秘密だよ。 (Tomodachi to no hanashi ni kan-shite, himitsu da yo.) – Regarding the talk with my friend, it’s a secret. (Use について instead)
に関する vs. に関して
に関する is an attributive form (連体形) and must be followed by a noun that it modifies. に関して is an adverbial form (副詞形) and modifies a verb or clause.
Example: 関する: これは将来に関する大切な話です。(Kore wa shōrai ni kansuru taisetsu na hanashi desu.) – This is an important talk concerning the future. (話 is a noun) 関して: 将来に関して、話し合いましょう。(Shōrai ni kan-shite, hanashiaimashō.) – Let’s discuss regarding the future. (話し合いましょう is a verb)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using に関する/に関して in casual conversation.
✅ Use について instead for casual contexts.
に関する/に関して sound too stiff and formal for everyday casual talk.
❌ Confusing 関する and 関して.
✅ Remember 関する modifies a noun (like any other な-adjective ending in -る), while 関して modifies a verb or clause.
関する acts similarly to a な-adjective phrase ending in -る when modifying a noun. 関して acts like an adverb or conjunction.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: High. It is a polite and formal way to introduce a topic.
Social Situations: Appropriate for business settings, academic discussions, public speeches, official communication, and formal writing.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese grammar, no significant regional variations in usage.

🔍 Subtle Differences

に関する/に関して vs. について
に関する/に関して is generally more formal than について. It often implies a more direct or specific relation to the topic, or is used for more official/public topics.
When to use: Use に関する/に関して in formal situations, reports, academic papers, official announcements. Use について in broader contexts, including both formal and informal discussions, though it can also be used formally.
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📝 Conjugation Notes

The preceding noun does not need any specific conjugation. 関する is used as is before a noun. 関して is used as is before a verb or clause. 関しまして is a more polite variation of に関して, often used in keigo.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounced “ni kansuru” and “ni kanshite”. “関” (kan) has a long “a” sound. “する” and “して” are pronounced as they are.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of “関” as “関わる” (kakawaru – to be involved with/related to). So, “Nounに関わる” becomes “Nounに関する/に関して”. Associate it with formal reports or news: “ニュースに関する記事” (nyūsu ni kansuru kiji – article regarding the news).

Practice Exercises
Choose the correct particle: 環境問題（　　）ニュースをよく見ます。
に
と
へ
に関する
Fill in the blank: その件（　　）、詳しい情報が必要です。
について
に関して
より
から
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