関する

• Reading: かんする
• Romaji: kansuru
• Kanji breakdown: 関 (kan/seki) — relate, barrier, connection
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To concern; to be related to. To have a connection or relevance to a topic.

An irregular suru-type verb (サ変動詞) that is primarily used in the pattern ～に関する (concerning/regarding) as a prenominal modifier, or ～に関して (regarding) as an adverbial phrase. More formal than ～について (about). Commonly appears in written Japanese, news, academic texts, and official documents. Functions as a more sophisticated way to say 'about' or 'regarding.'

Examples

1. 環境に関する問題について話し合った。 We discussed issues related to the environment.
2. この件に関しては私から説明します。 I'll explain this matter myself.
3. 健康に関する情報をもっと集めたい。 I want to gather more information regarding health.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, news, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the kanji 関 (kan/seki, barrier/gate/relate) combined with する. The kanji originally depicted a gate bar (門 + 丱), suggesting a connection point or barrier — something that links or relates things together.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal