guānyú: 关于 - About, Regarding, Concerning

• Keywords: 关于, guanyu, meaning of guanyu, Chinese for about, how to use guanyu, guanyu vs duiyu, concerning in Chinese, regarding in Chinese, Chinese prepositions, HSK 3 grammar
• Summary: Learn how to use “关于” (guānyú), a fundamental Chinese preposition meaning “about,” “regarding,” or “concerning.” This guide explains the core meaning of 关于, how to use it to introduce topics in sentences, and its subtle differences from similar words like 对于 (duìyú). With practical examples and cultural insights, this page is the ultimate resource for mastering the meaning and usage of guānyú for HSK 3 learners and beyond.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guānyú
• Part of Speech: Preposition (介词, jiècí)
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A preposition used to introduce the topic of a sentence or phrase, meaning “about,” “regarding,” or “concerning.”
• In a Nutshell: Think of “关于” (guānyú) as a formal signpost in a sentence that says, “Okay, pay attention, everything that follows is related to *this specific topic*.” It's the most common way to formally introduce the subject matter you're about to discuss, write about, or ask about. It helps set the context right from the start, making your communication clear and structured.

• 关 (guān): This character's original pictograph is of a door bolt. This evolved into the meaning “to close” a gate, but also “a connection” or “to concern/relate to,” as a gate connects the inside and outside. In 关于, it takes the meaning “to concern” or “to relate to.”
• 于 (yú): This is a classical and versatile preposition that can mean “in,” “at,” “on,” or “to.” Here, it functions as a grammatical particle that links the preceding verb/concept (“to concern”) to the noun/topic that follows.
• Together, 关于 (guānyú) literally translates to “concerning-to” or “relating-to,” which perfectly captures its modern meaning of “about” or “regarding.”

While 关于 is a grammatical word, its frequent use highlights a common feature of Chinese communication: establishing the topic before making a comment. This is known as a “topic-prominent” sentence structure. In English, it's very common to say, “I read a book about Chinese history.” The topic (“about Chinese history”) comes at the end. In Chinese, while that structure is possible, it's also extremely common to front-load the topic: “关于中国历史，我读了一本书。” (“Regarding Chinese history, I read a book.”). This preference for setting the context first can be seen as a feature of a high-context culture. By clearly stating the topic upfront with 关于, the speaker ensures that the listener is on the same page before the main information (the “comment”) is delivered. This creates a shared understanding and can be perceived as a more organized and considerate way of communicating, especially in formal or written contexts. It contrasts with a more direct, action-first Western communication style where the topic might be revealed later in the sentence.

关于 is a staple in both written and spoken Chinese, though it carries a slightly more formal tone than its typical English equivalent, “about.”

• Introducing a Topic: Its most common use is at the very beginning of a sentence to define the scope of the discussion. The structure is: `关于 + [Topic], [Main Clause]`.
  • Example: 关于这个问题，我们需要开会讨论。(Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen xūyào kāihuì tǎolùn.) - Regarding this problem, we need to have a meeting to discuss it.
• As an Adjective (Attributive): It can directly modify a noun, functioning like an adjective. This is very common for describing the subject of books, movies, articles, etc.
  • Example: 这是一本关于中国文化的书。(Zhè shì yī běn guānyú Zhōngguó wénhuà de shū.) - This is a book about Chinese culture.
• In Formal Settings: You will constantly encounter 关于 in business emails, academic papers, news reports, and official speeches. It's the standard way to introduce a subject formally.
  • Email opening: 关于您昨天提出的建议，我们已经进行了研究。(Guānyú nín zuótiān tíchū de jiànyì, wǒmen yǐjīng jìnxíngle yánjiū.) - Regarding the proposal you raised yesterday, we have already conducted research.

• Example 1:
  • 我想找一本关于上海历史的书。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo yī běn guānyú Shànghǎi lìshǐ de shū.
  • English: I want to find a book about the history of Shanghai.
  • Analysis: This shows the common adjectival use of 关于, where it modifies the noun “书” (book) to specify its topic.
• Example 2:
  • 关于你的问题，我明天会给你答复。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú nǐ de wèntí, wǒ míngtiān huì gěi nǐ dáfù.
  • English: Regarding your question, I will give you a reply tomorrow.
  • Analysis: A classic example of using 关于 at the beginning of a sentence to set the context for the main clause. This is very common in professional communication.
• Example 3:
  • 老师讲了一个关于孔子的故事。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī jiǎngle yī ge guānyú Kǒngzǐ de gùshi.
  • English: The teacher told a story about Confucius.
  • Analysis: Similar to the first example, this shows 关于 modifying “故事” (story). Note the use of “的” (de) is optional in this structure (`关于…的书` vs `关于…的故事`).
• Example 4:
  • 关于环境保护，每个人都有责任。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú huánjìng bǎohù, měi ge rén dōu yǒu zérèn.
  • English: Concerning environmental protection, everyone has a responsibility.
  • Analysis: This sentence introduces a broad, abstract topic. 关于 is perfect for framing these kinds of general statements or opinions.
• Example 5:
  • 我们讨论了关于公司未来的发展计划。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen tǎolùnle guānyú gōngsī wèilái de fāzhǎn jìhuà.
  • English: We discussed the development plan regarding the company's future.
  • Analysis: Here, `关于…的计划` acts as the object of the verb `讨论了` (discussed). It specifies what was discussed.
• Example 6:
  • 你知道关于这件事的最新消息吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào guānyú zhè jiàn shì de zuìxīn xiāoxi ma?
  • English: Do you know the latest news about this matter?
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how to use 关于 in a question to inquire about a specific topic.
• Example 7:
  • 他写的这篇报道是关于人工智能的。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiě de zhè piān bàodào shì guānyú réngōng zhìnéng de.
  • English: This report he wrote is about artificial intelligence.
  • Analysis: Here, 关于 is used after the verb “是” (shì) to define the nature or subject of the report.
• Example 8:
  • 关于如何学习汉语，他给了我很多好建议。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú rúhé xuéxí Hànyǔ, tā gěile wǒ hěn duō hǎo jiànyì.
  • English: Regarding how to learn Chinese, he gave me a lot of good advice.
  • Analysis: This shows that the topic following 关于 can be a whole clause (`如何学习汉语` - how to learn Chinese), not just a simple noun.
• Example 9:
  • 请阅读一下这份关于新员工培训的材料。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng yuèdú yīxià zhè fèn guānyú xīn yuángōng péixùn de cáiliào.
  • English: Please read these materials concerning the new employee training.
  • Analysis: A typical sentence you might hear in a workplace setting. `关于…的材料` means “materials about…”.
• Example 10:
  • 关于他，我了解得不多。
  • Pinyin: Guānyú tā, wǒ liǎojiě de bù duō.
  • English: About him, I don't know much.
  • Analysis: A simple, effective use of the topic-comment structure. The topic is “him,” and the comment is “I don't know much.”

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 关于 (guānyú) and 对于 (duìyú). They can both be translated as “regarding” or “about,” but they are not interchangeable.

• 关于 (guānyú): Introduces the Scope/Topic.
  • It defines *what something is about*. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or as an adjective before a noun.
  • Correct: 这是一本关于历史的书。(This is a book about history.)
  • Incorrect: `这是一本对于历史的书。` (This is grammatically wrong because 对于 cannot be used as a direct adjectival modifier like this.)
• 对于 (duìyú): Introduces the Target of an Action/Opinion.
  • It points to the person or thing that an opinion, action, or feeling is *directed towards*. It often comes after the subject.
  • Correct: 对于这个计划，我很满意。(Towards this plan, I am very satisfied.)
  • Also correct: 我对于这个计划很满意。(I am very satisfied with this plan.)
  • Incorrect: `关于这个计划，我很满意。` (This is less natural. While a native speaker might understand, 对于 is the precise word because “satisfaction” is an opinion directed *at* the plan.)

Key Rule of Thumb:

• If you can rephrase it as “a book/movie/story whose topic is X,” use 关于.
• If you can rephrase it as “my opinion/attitude/action towards X,” use 对于.

• 对于 (duìyú) - A preposition meaning “towards,” “with regard to,” or “for.” It introduces the target of an action or attitude, whereas 关于 introduces the general topic.
• 有关 (yǒuguān) - Means “related to” or “concerning.” It can sometimes be used like 关于, especially as an adjective (e.g., 有关部门 - relevant departments), but is slightly less common for introducing a sentence's topic.
• 至于 (zhìyú) - “As for…” or “as to…” This is used to pivot to a new, but related, topic in a conversation. It signals a shift in focus.
• 谈到 (tándào) - A more conversational phrase meaning “speaking of…” or “when it comes to…”
• 就 (jiù) - In the pattern `就…来说` (jiù…lái shuō), it means “as far as … is concerned,” which is another way to isolate and comment on a topic.
• 主题 (zhǔtí) - The noun for “topic,” “subject,” or “theme,” which is often the thing being introduced by 关于.
• 内容 (nèiróng) - The noun for “content,” often used when discussing what a book, film, or speech is about.