Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'as to' in Japanese, covering how to introduce a topic, specify a subject, or indicate 'regarding' something. The most common and natural way is using the particle は (wa) to mark the topic, but other patterns like について (ni tsuite) and に関して (ni kanshite) are used for more formal or explicit contexts.
The speaker wants to shift the conversation to a specific topic, often contrasting it with others. This is the most common use of 'as to'.
The topic marker は is the most natural and common way to express 'as to' in Japanese. It introduces a topic and often implies contrast with other possible topics. Simply attach は to the noun or noun phrase.
私はコーヒーが好きです。
As for me, I like coffee.
As to the price, it's expensive, but as to the quality, it's good.
A slightly more explicit way to say 'as to ~' or 'regarding ~'. It is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It emphasizes that you are talking about that specific thing.
その問題については後で話しましょう。
As to that problem, let's talk about it later.
A formal pattern meaning 'regarding' or 'concerning'. Often used in business, official documents, or formal speech. に関する is the adnominal form.
この件に関しては、まだ決定していません。
As to this matter, it hasn't been decided yet.
Used to single out an extreme or noteworthy case, often with a negative or surprising nuance. 'As for ~, even ~'. It implies that the situation is so extreme that it's worth special mention.
彼に至っては、何も知らなかった。
As for him, he didn't know anything (unlike others).
The speaker wants to narrow down a question or statement to a specific aspect, often using a question word like 'what', 'where', 'when', etc.
Used after an embedded question (with か) to mean 'as to whether/what/where etc.'. It explicitly marks the topic of discussion as that question.
彼が来るかについては、まだわかりません。
As to whether he will come, I don't know yet.
どこで買えるかについては、インターネットで調べてください。
As to where you can buy it, please check on the internet.
A more formal version of かについては, used in similar contexts but with a higher register.
いつ開始するかに関しては、追って連絡します。
As to when we will start, we will contact you later.
The speaker wants to express that something varies or is decided based on a certain factor. This is a less common but distinct use of 'as to'.
Means 'according to' or 'depending on'. It indicates that something changes or is determined in response to a condition. While not a direct translation of 'as to', it captures the sense of 'as to the circumstances'.
予算に応じて計画を変えます。
We will change the plan as to the budget (depending on the budget).
Also means 'depending on'. It emphasizes that the outcome is contingent on the mentioned factor. Often used in conditional contexts.
努力次第で結果は変わります。
As to your effort, the results will change (depending on your effort).
While について and に関して are direct translations of 'as to' or 'regarding', they can sound stiff or overly formal in casual conversation. In many cases, simply using the topic marker は is more natural. Reserve について for neutral explicit statements and に関して for formal contexts.
明日の天気はどう？
As to tomorrow's weather, how is it? (natural)
明日の天気についてはどうですか？
As to tomorrow's weather, how is it? (overly formal for casual chat)
は is the default topic marker and works in almost all situations. については adds slight emphasis and is neutral in formality. に関して is formal and often used in business or academic settings. Choose based on the level of formality and how explicitly you want to mark the topic.
趣味は読書です。
As for hobbies, I like reading. (casual/neutral)
趣味については、読書が好きです。
As to hobbies, I like reading. (neutral/explicit)
趣味に関しましては、読書を嗜みます。
As to hobbies, I enjoy reading. (very formal)