Preposition: 关于 (about/regarding)
关于
Use 关于 to specify the subject matter or scope of a topic
Use 关于 before a topic to mean "about / concerning / regarding." It can modify a noun (关于……的书 = a book about…) or introduce a topic at the start of a sentence (关于这件事，……).
关于 focuses on the subject matter or scope — what something is about. Compare with 对于, which focuses on attitudes or perspectives toward a topic. 关于 is like "about" in English; 对于 is more like "regarding / with respect to."
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 关于 (about/regarding) (关于)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 关于 pattern
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Understanding 关于
The preposition 关于 (guānyú) means "about" or "concerning." It tells the listener what subject matter is being discussed. When you say 关于环境保护的书, you are specifying the book's topic — it is about environmental protection. When you place 关于 at the beginning of a sentence, you are setting the scope of the discussion: 关于明天的考试，学校做了具体的规定 means "Concerning tomorrow's exam, the school has made specific arrangements." The key difference between 关于 and 对于 is focus: 关于 specifies WHAT something is about (subject matter), while 对于 introduces a topic to express an attitude or perspective TOWARD it. In practice, 关于 is more flexible — it can modify nouns directly with 的, serve as a sentence topic, or even function as a title (关于中国经济的报告). It is a workhorse of formal Chinese.
Key Points
- 关于 (guānyú) = "about / concerning / regarding" — specifies subject matter.
- 关于 + topic + 的 + noun: modifies a noun (关于中国的书 = a book about China).
- 关于 + topic，main clause: introduces a sentence topic.
- 关于 vs. 对于: 关于 = "about what"; 对于 = "toward what / for whom."
- 关于 can be used in titles and headings: 关于环境问题的报告.
- 关于 is common in both spoken and written Chinese, though it leans formal.
Official Chinese documents and reports almost always begin with 关于: 关于……的通知 (Notice regarding…), 关于……的决定 (Decision concerning…). Knowing this pattern helps you navigate bureaucratic and academic Chinese.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我读了几本关于环境保护的书。
I read several books about environmental protection.
关于明天的考试，学校做了具体的规定。
Regarding tomorrow's exam, the school has made specific arrangements.
这是一部关于战争的电影。
This is a movie about war.
关于这个计划，你有什么看法？
Regarding this plan, what is your opinion?
他写了一篇关于中国历史的文章。
He wrote an article about Chinese history.
关于学费的问题，请咨询办公室。
Regarding the question of tuition fees, please consult the office.
Common Mistakes
来说 pairs with 对于 (perspective), not 关于 (subject matter). You are talking about his perspective, so use 对于.
关于 needs a specific topic — "about what?" It cannot stand alone as a vague modifier.
关于 introduces a topic (music), not the speaker. Place the topic after 关于 and the commentary in the main clause.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The easiest way to remember: 关于 = "about what" (subject), 对于 = "for whom / toward what" (perspective).
When describing books, movies, articles, or reports, 关于 is your go-to: 关于……的书/电影/文章/报告.
In formal emails, start with 关于 to set the topic: 关于下周的会议…… (Regarding next week's meeting…).
Practice turning English "about" sentences into Chinese: "a movie about love" = 一部关于爱情的电影.
Homework
Write five sentences describing things you have read, watched, or heard about, using the 关于……的 pattern. Then write three sentences starting with 关于 to introduce a topic for discussion.