关于 (about)

• Pinyin: guānyú
• Formation: 关于 + Topic ，Subject + Predicate
• Hanzi breakdown: 关 = simplified from 關, originally depicting a gate bar; 于 = simple character

Meaning

The preposition 关于 means 'about,' 'regarding,' or 'concerning.' It introduces the topic of a statement and is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the subject.

When 关于 appears at the start of a sentence, it is often followed by a comma to set off the topic phrase. It can also be used as an attributive modifier before a noun with 的, as in 关于中国的书 (a book about China). Unlike 对于, which focuses on how the subject relates to or is affected by something, 关于 simply introduces the topic being discussed. In more formal writing, 关于 may appear in titles or headings. It is versatile and common in both everyday speech and academic or professional contexts.

Examples

1. 关于这件事，我们明天再讨论。 Regarding this matter, let's discuss it tomorrow.
2. 关于留学的问题，你可以问王老师。 About studying abroad, you can ask Teacher Wang.
3. 我看了一本关于中国历史的书。 I read a book about Chinese history.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, formal

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 关于这个计划，我有一些想法想跟你分享。
• 她写了一篇关于环境保护的文章。
• 关于工资的事，请去找人事部门。

Don't Say

• 我关于很喜欢音乐。(关于 introduces a topic, not a personal feeling — use 对 or remove 关于 entirely) → 我很喜欢音乐。
• 关于他跑得很快。(关于 must introduce a topic for further comment, not a standalone statement — restructure the sentence) → 关于他的跑步速度，大家都很佩服。

Origin & History

关 means 'to relate to' or 'to concern' and 于 is a classical preposition meaning 'to' or 'with regard to.' Together they form a preposition that marks the topic of discussion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal