대해서 (dae-hae-seo, daehaeseo) · 대해 (dae-hae, daehae)
'대해서' is the full form combining the particle '대해' with an ending, used after nouns to fully express 'about/regarding,' while '대해' alone appears mostly in compound words or colloquial speech.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
About/regarding; used when talking about a certain subject or topic.
When to use
Formal writing, Describing research topics, Explanations or presentations, Academic papers or reports
The nuance
Attaches after nouns as a particle, used as a complete expression in sentences. Preferred in formal and written language.
A shortened form of '대해서' or used in some compound words; cannot stand alone as a sentence ending.
When to use
Casual speech abbreviation, Within compound words, Informal colloquial use, Cannot end sentences
The nuance
Used mainly in colloquial speech or compound words; not a standalone particle. Cannot be used without sentence endings.
환경 문제에 대해서 토론합시다.
hwan-gyeong mun-je-e dae-hae-seo to-ron-hap-si-da., hwan gyeong mun je e dae hae seo to ron hap si da.
'대해서' correctly attaches after the noun '환경 문제' for a formal complete expression.
환경 문제에 대해 토론합시다.
hwan-gyeong mun-je-e dae-hae to-ron-hap-si-da., hwan gyeong mun je e dae hae to ron hap si da.
In casual speech, using '대해' as a shortened form is natural.
그 주제에 대해 설명해 주세요.
geu ju-je-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo., geu ju je e dae hae seol myeong hae ju se yo.
'대해' is naturally used in colloquial speech here.
그 주제에 대해서 설명해 주세요.
geu ju-je-e dae-hae-seo seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo., geu ju je e dae hae seo seol myeong hae ju se yo.
'대해서' is appropriate in formal situations.
보고서 대해 작성했습니다.
bo-go-seo dae-hae jak-seong-haess-seup-ni-da., bo go seo dae hae jak seong haess seup ni da.
Only '대해' after '보고서' is incomplete; '대해서' is required.
그 문제 대해 이야기했어요.
geu mun-je dae-hae i-ya-gi-haess-eo-yo., geu mun je dae hae i ya gi haess eo yo.
'대해' used alone without sentence ending is awkward.
이 주제에 대해서 연구가 필요합니다.
i ju-je-e dae-hae-seo yeon-gu-ga pil-yo-hap-ni-da., i ju je e dae hae seo yeon gu ga pil yo hap ni da.
'대해서' fits formal sentence here.
이 주제에 대해 연구가 필요합니다.
i ju-je-e dae-hae yeon-gu-ga pil-yo-hap-ni-da., i ju je e dae hae yeon gu ga pil yo hap ni da.
'대해' works in casual or simple sentences.
Which is most appropriate for formal writing?
Which is natural in colloquial speech?
Which sentence is incorrect?
