Learning how to express the phrase “as for” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to engage in casual conversations or hold formal discussions, understanding how to convey this concept is crucial. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express “as for” in both formal and informal contexts, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Expressions for “As for”
When speaking or writing formally in Japanese, you can utilize the following phrases to convey the idea of “as for”.
1. について (Nitsuite)
This phrase is commonly used in formal settings and is equivalent to saying “as for” or “regarding” in English. It is an all-purpose expression that can be used in various contexts. For instance:
報告書について話しましょう。
Let’s talk about the report.
Here, “報告書について” (Nitsuite hana shimashou) means “as for the report.”
2. に関して (Nikanshite)
Similar to “について”, “に関して” (Nikanshite) is another formal expression that conveys the meaning of “as for” or “regarding.” This phrase is often used in written documents or official statements. Let’s see an example:
イベントに関して詳細をお知らせします。
We will inform you about the event details.
In this case, “イベントに関して” (Ibento ni kanshite) means “as for the event.”
Informal Expressions for “As for”
When conversing with friends, acquaintances, or in casual situations, you can use the following expressions to denote “as for”.
1. ってば (Tteba)
“ってば” (Tteba) is an informal expression used in everyday conversations. It is often used to express annoyance or to emphasize a topic. Here’s an example:
さ、ちょっと待ってば！
Hey, wait, as for that!
In this case, “待ってば” (Matteba) means “as for waiting” or “as for the act of waiting.”
2. に関しては (Nikanshite wa)
When speaking informally, you can also use “に関しては” (Nikanshite wa) to convey the meaning of “as for” or “regarding”. It is often used in casual conversations and can be abbreviated to just “関しては” (Kanshite wa). For example:
サッカーに関しては詳しいよ。
I know a lot about soccer.
In this case, “サッカーに関しては” (Sakkaa nikanshite wa) means “as for soccer.”
Regional Variations
Japanese, like any other language, may have regional variations in how the concept of “as for” is expressed. However, these variations don’t significantly impact the overall understanding. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to note a couple of regional variations:
1. については (Nitsuite wa)
While “について” (Nitsuite) is commonly used in standard Japanese, in some regional dialects you may encounter the variation “については” (Nitsuite wa) instead. Take a look at the following example:
その件については何も知らない。
As for that matter, I don’t know anything.
Here, “その件については” (Sono ken nitsuite wa) means “as for that matter.”
2. ついては (Tsuite wa)
In some regional dialects, “ついては” (Tsuite wa) is used instead of “については” (Nitsuite wa). While it is less common in standard Japanese, it may still be encountered informally. Here’s an example:
私については何も心配しなくていいよ。
As for me, you don’t have to worry about anything.
In this case, “私については” (Watashi nitsuite wa) means “as for me.”
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “as for” in Japanese is important for effective communication. By using phrases like “について” (Nitsuite) or “に関して” (Nikanshite) in formal contexts, and “ってば” (Tteba) or “に関しては” (Nikanshite wa) in informal situations, you can express the desired meaning. Remember to adjust your language level and tone based on the formality of the situation. With practice and exposure to different regional variations, you will become more proficient in using these expressions and enhance your understanding of the Japanese language.
