The preposition “关于”

In Chinese, the preposition 关于 (guānyú) is placed before a noun or noun phrase to introduce the topic, subject matter, or scope being discussed, studied, or dealt with. It translates to “about”, “regarding”, “concerning”, or “on”.

Grammar Rules

1. Introducing a Topic: 关于 sets the context by highlighting the primary topic or concern of the sentence.

2. Sentence-Initial Position: A 关于 phrase often stands at the very beginning of a sentence to establish the theme before the main statement (关于……，……).

3. Modifying Nouns: When a 关于 phrase directly modifies a following noun, it must be followed by the structural particle 的 (de) (关于……的 + Noun).

Grammar Structure

关于 + Noun / Phrase (Topic) + 的 + Noun 关于 + Noun / Phrase (Topic), Subject + Verb...

Examples

我(Wǒ)最(zuì)近(jìn)看(kàn)了(le)一(yì)些(xiē)关(guān)于(yú)中(Zhōng)国(guó)文(wén)化(huà)的(de)电(diàn)影(yǐng)。

I recently watched some movies about Chinese culture.

关(Guān)于(yú)这(zhè)件(jiàn)事(shì)，我(wǒ)们(men)还(hái)没(méi)有(yǒu)决(jué)定(dìng)呢(ne)。

Regarding this matter, we haven't made a decision yet.

关(Guān)于(yú)出(chū)国(guó)学(xué)习(xí)的(de)事(shì)，妈(mā)妈(ma)已(yǐ)经(jīng)同(tóng)意(yì)了(le)。

Concerning studying abroad, Mom has already agreed.

关(Guān)于(yú)这(zhè)个(ge)工(gōng)作(zuò)，还(hái)有(yǒu)什(shén)么(me)问(wèn)题(tí)吗(ma)？

Do you have any other questions regarding this job?

Important Note

When 关于 (guānyú) modifies a noun, 的 (de) is mandatory (e.g., 关于中国文化的电影 — a movie about Chinese culture). Distinguishing 关于 from 对于 (duìyú): 关于 introduces the general topic or theme (“about/regarding”), whereas 对于 specifies the target toward which an attitude, opinion, or action is directed (“toward/for”).