について

• Reading: について
• Romaji: ni tsuite
• Pronunciation: /ni.t͡sɯ.i.te/

Meaning

About; concerning; regarding. A particle phrase used to indicate the topic of discussion or inquiry.

Formed from the particle に and the te-form of 就く (tsuku, to be related to). Functions as a compound particle that marks the topic being discussed, researched, or explained. In more formal contexts, につきまして is used instead. Often followed by verbs like 話す, 考える, 調べる.

Examples

1. 日本の文化について本を読んでいます。 I'm reading a book about Japanese culture.
2. 来週のテストについて質問があります。 I have a question about next week's test.
3. 将来の仕事について友達と話した。 I talked with a friend about future career options.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, academic, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from に (directional particle) and the te-form of 就く (tsuku, to take up or relate to). Grammaticalized into a compound particle indicating the topic of discussion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal