Chinese Grammar Bank
HOW TO USE 关于
The word 关于 (guānyú) is commonly used in Chinese to indicate “about” or “concerning.”
It can introduce a topic or act as part of a descriptive phrase.
关于 TO INTRODUCE A TOPIC
When 关于 introduces a topic, it comes at the start of the sentence, followed by the subject or object of discussion.
PATTERN
关于 + Topic, ⋯⋯
| 关于 这 个 项目，我们 还 在 研究 中。 | Guānyú zhège xiàngmù, wǒmen hái zài yánjiū zhōng. | About this project, we are still studying it. |
| 关于 你 的 计划，我 有 一些 建议。 | Guānyú nǐ de jìhuà, wǒ yǒu yīxiē jiànyì. | About your plan, I have some suggestions. |
| 关于 公司 的 改变，我们 很 期待。 | Guānyú gōngsī de gǎibiàn, wǒmen hěn qīdài. | We are very excited about the company’s changes. |
关于 AS A MODIFIER
“关于…” can mean “about something” and function as a modifier as part of a phrase.
In this case, it precedes the noun phrase it modifies, and “的” connects the modifier and the noun.
PATTERN
关于 ⋯⋯ 的 + Noun
| 这 是 一 篇 关于 环保 的 文章。 | Zhè shì yī piān guānyú huánbǎo de wénzhāng. | This is an article about environmental protection. |
| 我 看 了 一 部 关于 历史 的 电影。 | Wǒ kàn le yī bù guānyú lìshǐ de diànyǐng. | I watched a movie about history. |
| 他 写 了 一 本 关于 旅游 的 书。 | Tā xiě le yī běn guānyú lǚyóu de shū. | He wrote a book about travel. |
关于 VS OTHER EXPRESSIONS
While “关于” (guānyú) is a common way to express “about,” there are other expressions with subtle differences.
In this section, we’ll compare 关于 with two similar phrases: “有关” (yǒuguān) and “至于” (zhìyú).
有关 (yǒuguān)
有关 is often interchangeable with 关于, but slightly less formal.
| 关于 环保 的 问题，我 有 一些 看法。 | Guānyú huánbǎo de wèntí, wǒ yǒu yīxiē kànfǎ. | About the issue of environmental protection, I have some opinions. |
| 关于 这 次 活动，大家 都 很 期待。 | Guānyú zhè cì huódòng, dàjiā dōu hěn qīdài. | About this event, everyone is very excited. |
| 关于 那 件 事情，我们 还 在 调查 中。 | Guānyú nà jiàn shìqing, wǒmen hái zài diàochá zhōng. | We are still investigating regarding that matter. |
至于 (zhìyú)
“至于” (zhìyú) is used to shift the focus from one topic to another.
It translates as “as for” or “as to,” and it introduces a contrast or a different aspect of the topic being discussed.
| 至于 他 的 家人，他们 会 支持 他。 | Zhìyú tā de jiārén, tāmen huì zhīchí tā. | As for his family, they will support him. |
| 至于 课外 活动 的 费用，家长 需要 自行 负担。 | Zhìyú kèwài huódòng de fèiyòng, jiāzhǎng xūyào zìxíng fùdān. | As for the cost of extracurricular activities, parents need to bear it themselves. |
| 至于 谁 会 参加，我 还 不 太 清楚。 | Zhìyú shuí huì cānjiā, wǒ hái bù tài qīngchu. | As for who will participate, I’m not quite sure yet. |
EXPRESSING ABOUT WITHOUT 关于
In Chinese, sometimes the word for “about” is not said but the meaning is said.
For example, 关于他的未来，我们很担心 = 我们很担心他的未来 . (We are worried about his future).
The second sentence has the same meaning as the first sentence without using the word “关于”.
It’s because the topic or subject itself makes clear what is being talked about.
| 关于 他的 未来，我们 很 担心。 | Guānyú tā de wèilái, wǒmen hěn dānxīn. | About his future, we are very worried. |
| 我们 很 担心 他的 未来。 | Wǒmen hěn dānxīn tā de wèilái. | We are very worried about his future. |
| 关于 这 个 问题，我们 需要 进一步 讨论。 | Guānyú zhè ge wèntí, wǒmen xūyào jìnyībù tǎolùn. | About this issue, we need to discuss it further. |
Learn Mandarin with Flexi Classes
Book online classes with the best teachers in the industry.
FAQs
What does 关于 mean in Chinese?
关于 means “about” or “regarding” and is used to introduce a topic or subject.
Where does 关于 appear in a sentence?
关于 usually comes at the beginning of a sentence or clause, as in 关于这个问题，我们需要讨论 (guānyú zhè gè wèntí, wǒmen xūyào tǎolùn), meaning “Regarding this issue, we need to discuss.”
Can 关于 be used with both nouns and verbs?
Yes, 关于 can introduce nouns (关于工作, “about work”) and topics implied by actions (关于如何解决问题, “about how to solve the problem”).
What is the difference between 关于 and 对于?
Both mean “about,” but 关于 is more neutral and formal, often used to introduce topics, while 对于 emphasizes a personal perspective or reaction to the topic.
Is 关于 formal or informal?
关于 is generally more formal and frequently used in written Chinese, such as in reports or essays, but it can also appear in polite spoken contexts.
Do you provide Chinese classes?
Yes, we do provide Chinese classes both offline and online.
LTL was founded in 2007 and our headquarters are in Beijing.
We offer Chinese classes in 8 destinations across Asia and would be happy to have you in one of our schools!
Contact us here if you’d like to know more about our programs or just have a chat about your study project.