Translation guide
A guide to expressing the concept of 'related to' in Japanese, covering connections, relevance, and associations.
To say that something is about or connected to a particular subject, person, or thing.
Used to indicate a direct relationship or connection. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
この問題は環境に関係しています。
This problem is related to the environment.
彼はその事件に関係している。
He is related to the incident.
A formal pattern meaning 'concerning' or 'regarding'. Often used in writing, reports, or official contexts.
この本は日本の歴史に関するものです。
This book is about Japanese history.
教育に関する質問があれば、どうぞ。
If you have any questions related to education, please ask.
Similar to に関係する, but often implies a looser or more indirect connection. Common in news and formal contexts.
そのニュースは経済に関連しています。
That news is related to the economy.
Used for stories, legends, or rumors associated with something. Has a literary or narrative feel.
この神社には古い伝説にまつわる話があります。
This shrine has a story related to an old legend.
To say that something is relevant to a matter or situation.
Literally 'has a relationship with'. Used to state that something is relevant or connected.
それは私の仕事に関係があります。
That is related to my work.
Implies involvement or a deeper connection. Slightly more formal than 関係がある.
彼はその計画に関わりがあるらしい。
He seems to be related to that plan.
To say that someone is a relative or family member.
The most common way to say someone is a relative. Use 親戚です in polite speech.
彼女は私と親戚です。
She is related to me.
Another natural way to express family relation, literally 'is a relative of ~'.
あの人は社長の親戚だ。
That person is related to the company president.
Specifically means 'related by blood'. Used in formal or legal contexts.
彼とは血縁関係があります。
I am related to him by blood.
To say that one event or fact is connected to another as a cause or result.
Used to indicate a causal link. Often appears in explanations of reasons.
ストレスは病気と関係していることが多い。
Stress is often related to illness.
Formal expression meaning 'originates from' or 'is caused by'. Used in academic or technical writing.
その問題は資金不足に起因する。
The problem is related to a lack of funds.
関係する is the most general and common for 'related to'. 関連する is often used for indirect or associative connections, especially in news. 関する is formal and means 'concerning' or 'regarding', often used in titles or official statements.
English 'related to' covers many nuances. Direct translation as 関係する is not always natural. For example, 'This book is related to history' is better as この本は歴史に関するものです, not この本は歴史に関係しています, which sounds odd.