对 vs 对于 vs 关于: target, stance, and subject matter
These three Chinese coverbs all translate into English as 'about', 'regarding', or 'toward', but they differ in focus. 对 marks the target of an attitude or action, 对于 introduces a topic to express a stance, and 关于 frames a subject matter in discussions or descriptions. Choosing correctly depends on whether you are directing a feeling, stating an opinion, or specifying a theme.
Although 对, 对于, and 关于 can all be translated as 'about', 'toward', or 'regarding', they serve distinct functions. 对 expresses a direction or target — it is used for feelings, attitudes, or actions directed at a person or thing. 对于 introduces a topic that is being evaluated or considered, often in a formal or intellectual context. 关于 specifies the subject matter of a statement, announcement, or description. The choice depends on whether you are pointing to a target (对), taking a stance on an issue (对于), or defining a theme (关于).
When to use each
Use 对 to indicate the target of an emotion, attitude, action, or statement. It is the most versatile and common of the three, appearing with verbs like 说 (shuō, 'say'), 生气 (shēngqì, 'angry'), 感 (gǎn, 'feel'), or 感兴趣 (gǎn xìngqù, 'interested'). It also marks the recipient of an action in phrases like 对他负责 (duì tā fùzé, 'be responsible to him').
对 can also be used in set expressions like 对不起 (duìbuqǐ, 'sorry') and 对得起 (duìdeqǐ, 'deserve/not let down'), where it does not introduce a topic.
Use 对于 to introduce a topic that is the object of a stance, opinion, or analysis. It is more formal than 对 and often appears in written or spoken commentary, such as discussions of policies, issues, or abstract concepts. Think of it as 'with regard to' — it sets up a subject for evaluation.
对于 is rarely used with concrete targets or people; using it with a person often sounds stiff or impersonal. In many contexts, 对 can replace 对于, but the reverse is not true.
Use 关于 to specify the subject matter of a piece of information, announcement, or discussion. It frames the scope of a topic, often at the start of a sentence (topic-comment structure) or after a noun to modify it. It is common in titles, notifications, and formal declarations.
关于 typically cannot be used with verbs of personal emotion or direct action (e.g., 感兴趣, 说). It is limited to introducing themes or contents, not targets.
At a glance
| 对 | 对于 | 关于 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core function | Marks target of emotion, attitude, or action (direction) | Introduces a topic for evaluation or stance | Specifies a subject matter or theme |
| Register | Neutral, used in both speech and writing | Formal, more common in written or intellectual contexts | Neutral to formal, common in news, documents, and descriptions |
| Position in sentence | Usually before the verb (and after the subject), can also appear after the verb with certain verbs | Typically placed before the verb, often after the subject or at the start of a clause | Often at the beginning of a sentence (topic), or before a noun as a modifier |
| Common collocations | 对 + person/thing + 很生气, 感兴趣, 说, 抱歉, 负责 | 对于 + abstract issue/问题/决定 + 有看法/不同意/很重要 | 关于 + topic/主题/事情/规定 + 的 + noun (or standalone sentence) |
Examples
- 对她对我很生气。Tā duì wǒ hěn shēngqì.She is very angry with me.Target of emotion — 对 is correct; 关于 would be wrong here.
- 对于对于这个决定，我表示反对。Duìyú zhège juédìng, wǒ biǎoshì fǎnduì.Regarding this decision, I express opposition.Introduces a topic for stance (opposition).
- 关于关于环保的问题，政府正在研究。Guānyú huánbǎo de wèntí, zhèngfǔ zhèngzài yánjiū.Regarding the issue of environmental protection, the government is researching it.Frames a subject matter (环保的问题) as the topic.
- 对他对历史很感兴趣。Tā duì lìshǐ hěn gǎn xìngqù.He is very interested in history.Target of interest — 对 is standard; 对于 would sound unnatural.
- 关于关于你的问题，我会尽快回复。Guānyú nǐ de wèntí, wǒ huì jǐnkuài huífù.Concerning your question, I will reply as soon as possible.Subject matter of the reply.
- 对于对于他的态度，我们都很失望。Duìyú tā de tàidù, wǒmen dōu hěn shīwàng.Regarding his attitude, we are all disappointed.Stance (disappointment) evaluated with 对于.
Common mistakes
- Using 关于 for a target of emotion (e.g., 关于她我很生气) — use 对.
- Using 对于 after verbs that require a direct target (e.g., 对于她感兴趣) — use 对.
- Using 对 in formal writing to introduce a broad topic when 对于 would be more appropriate (e.g., 对这个问题, company policy is unclear — better: 对于这个问题).
- Using 对 to introduce a subject matter in a title or announcement (e.g., 对环保的文章 — use 关于).
- Confusing 对于 and 关于 with stative verbs: 对于 usually works with opinions, 关于 with themes. Using 对于 to introduce a theme is awkward (e.g., 对于环保的分析 → 关于环保的分析 is more natural).
FAQ
- When do I use 对 vs 对于 vs 关于?
- Use 对 when you point to a target of an emotion, action, or relationship (e.g., 对我生气 'angry at me'). Use 对于 to introduce a topic that is being evaluated or judged (e.g., 对于这个方案 'regarding this plan'). Use 关于 to state what a piece of information or discussion is about (e.g., 关于历史的书 'a book about history').
- Can I use 对 and 对于 interchangeably?
- Often yes in informal speech, but not always. 对 is broader and can replace 对于 in many contexts (e.g., 对这件事我不同意). However, 对于 cannot replace 对 when marking a target of a personal emotion or direct action (e.g., 对你说 'say to you' → not ✗对于你说). In formal writing, 对于 is preferred for introducing issues or topics for analysis.
- Is 关于 only used in written Chinese?
- No, 关于 is used in both speech and writing, though it is especially common in news, announcements, and formal descriptions. In everyday conversation, speakers often use 对 or other structures (e.g., 他说的那件事 'that thing he said') instead of 关于.
- What is the difference between 关于 and 对于 in presenting a topic?
- 关于 introduces the subject matter itself, often in a general or descriptive way (e.g., 关于天气 'about the weather'). 对于 introduces a topic from the speaker's or writer's perspective, typically followed by an opinion or judgment (e.g., 对于今天的计划 'regarding today's plan'). 关于 answers 'what is this about?', while 对于 answers 'what is your stance on this?'.