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JLPT N2ConstructionWritten
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かかわるAffect, concern, or be involved with

かかわる says that something has a real connection with, affects, or involves a matter. It is especially common when important consequences such as life, safety, trust, or success are at stake.

A real connection, not just a topic

The noun before is something affected, at stake, or directly involved. The sentence therefore makes a stronger claim than simply saying what a report, question, or conversation is about.

An important outcome is at stake

このはんだんかいしゃそんぞくかかわる

This decision affects the survival of the company.

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The decision is not merely connected as a subject of discussion; it may determine whether the company survives.

Common forms

The plain form can modify a following noun, while the other forms show continuing involvement or relevance that emerges over time.

いのちかかわるけがではありません。

It is not a life-threatening injury.

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かのじょじゅうねんじょうぶんざいぞんかかわっている

She has been involved in preserving cultural properties for more than ten years.

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けいけんが、さいしゅうてきにはこうしょうせいかかわってくる

In the end, the difference in experience comes to affect whether the negotiations succeed.

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Topic versus material effect

について neutrally introduces what something is about. By contrast, かかわる says that there is an actual effect, involvement, or stake.

そのほうこくしょしょくひんひょうについてせつめいしている。

The report explains food labeling.

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This sentence only identifies the subject matter.

ひょうあやまりはしょうしゃあんぜんかかわる

Labeling errors affect consumer safety.

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Here there is a direct real-world consequence.

More examples

このくすりかんミスはかんじゃいのちかかわる

A mistake in managing this medication can endanger a patient's life.

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さいようじゅんとうめいせいしきへのしんらいかかわる

Transparency in hiring standards affects trust in the organization.

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あにかんきょうきょういくかかわるごとをしている。

My older brother does work involving environmental education.

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わたしいきぼうさいかつどうかかわっている

I am involved in local disaster-preparedness activities.

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ようだけでなく、たんとうしゃかんれんけいけいかくせいかかわってくる

Not only cost but also coordination among the staff will come to affect the success of the plan.

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けんきゅうりんかかわるもんだいなので、しんちょうけんとうひつようだ。

Because this issue concerns research ethics, it requires careful consideration.

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