については
ni tsuite wa
The English phrase 'as for' is translated into Japanese as については (ni tsuite wa).
については is used to introduce a new topic or a specific person or thing to be discussed. It marks the noun immediately preceding it as the specific topic of the sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle に meaning 'to/at', ついて which is the te-form of the verb つく meaning 'to attach/follow' and は which is the topic marker.
Which one should you use?
While について means 'about', adding the particle は shifts the focus to 'as for' or 'regarding the matter of', often used to contrast the topic with something else.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
については is a standard, polite way to introduce a topic in both spoken and written Japanese. For a more formal and stiff alternative, often used in business or academic contexts, you can use に関しては. In contrast, the expression ってば is an informal expression used in everyday conversations to express annoyance or emphasize a topic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must be preceded by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
ni tsuite wa
Did you know?
- Using については to introduce a person can sometimes sound like you are treating that person as a 'case' or a 'problem' to be solved, rather than a human being.
- The word ついて in については comes from a verb meaning 'to attach', reflecting the Japanese conceptualization of 'talking about' something as 'attaching' one's thoughts to it.
- The very informal expression ってば can be used to say 'as for', but it carries a heavy sense of frustration. It is typically used when a speaker is losing patience because they are repeating themselves.
Examples in context
- 報告書について話しましょう。Let's talk about the report.
- 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.
- サッカーに関しては詳しいよ。I know a lot about soccer.
- その件については何も知らない。As for that matter, I don't know anything.
- 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.
- 明日の予定については、また後で連絡します。Ashita no yotei ni tsuite wa, mata ato de renraku shimasu.As for tomorrow's schedule, I will contact you later.
- この件については、慎重に考える必要があります。Kono ken ni tsuite wa, shinchou ni kangaeru hitsuyou ga arimasu.As for this matter, we need to consider it carefully.
- 新しいプロジェクトについては、リーダーに聞いてください。Atarashii purojekuto ni tsuite wa, riidaa ni kiite kudasai.As for the new project, please ask the leader.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a work task in the office.
- 健太 Kenta会議の資料については、もう準備できましたか？Kaigi no shiryou ni tsuite wa, mou junbi dekimashita ka?As for the meeting materials, are they ready yet?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、すべて完成しています。Hai, subete kansei shite imasu.Yes, they are all finished.
- 健太 Kenta良かったです。陽葵さんの手際の良さには驚きます。Yokatta desu. Himari-san no tegiwa no yosa ni wa odorokimasu.That's good. I am surprised by how efficient you are, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariいえ、まだまだです。Ie, mada mada desu.No, I still have a long way to go.
