对 vs 对于 (duì vs duìyú): how to choose
Both 对 and 对于 are prepositions that introduce a target or topic, but 对 is broader and used for direct interpersonal actions (e.g., 对我笑 'smile at me'), while 对于 is more formal and limited to the sense of 'regarding' or 'concerning' a topic. Learners should use 对 for actions or attitudes directed at people or objects, and 对于 for formal discussion of a subject.
Both 对 and 对于 function as prepositions that mark the target or topic of an action, attitude, or statement. The key difference is that 对 is used for direct interpersonal actions or attitudes toward a person or object (e.g., 对我笑 'smile at me', 对他好 'be good to him'), while 对于 is reserved for introducing a topic in a more formal, 'regarding' sense (e.g., 对于这个问题 'regarding this problem'). In everyday conversation, 对 is far more common; 对于 appears mainly in written or formal speech. They are not interchangeable when the verb implies direct interaction with a person.
When to use each
Use 对 when the verb expresses a direct action or attitude directed at someone or something, such as smiling, speaking, being friendly, or showing interest. It is also common with mental verbs (e.g., 感兴趣, 了解) and in neutral/formal context when marking a topic.
对 can also appear in a more formal topic-marking role (e.g., 对这个问题, 我同意), though 对于 is more typical in such cases.
Use 对于 to introduce the subject or topic under discussion, especially in formal writing or speech. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence and cannot be used with verbs that describe direct interpersonal interaction (e.g., 笑, 说话, 友好).
At a glance
| 对 | 对于 | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct interpersonal action | ✓ Can be used (e.g., 对我笑) | ✗ Cannot be used |
| Formality | Neutral; common in speech | Formal; mostly written or formal speech |
| Sentence position | Often after the subject, before the verb | Often at the beginning, before the subject |
| Core meaning | Toward; marks target of action/attitude | Regarding; marks topic of discussion |
| With 来说 structure | 对...来说 is common | 对于...来说 is also acceptable but more formal |
Examples
- 对她对我笑了。Tā duì wǒ xiào le.She smiled at me.Direct interpersonal action – 对于 would be wrong here.
- 对于对于这件事，我们还要再讨论。Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, wǒmen hái yào zài tǎolùn.Regarding this matter, we need to discuss further.Formal topic introduction; 对 would be less formal but possible.
- 对他对政治非常感兴趣。Tā duì zhèngzhì fēicháng gǎn xìngqù.He is very interested in politics.Attitude/interest toward a topic – 对于 could also work but is more formal.
- 对于对于你的建议，我会认真考虑。Duìyú nǐ de jiànyì, wǒ huì rènzhēn kǎolǜ.Regarding your suggestion, I will seriously consider it.Formal topic marking; 对 would be acceptable but less formal.
- 对他对我说：“你好。”Tā duì wǒ shuō: “Nǐ hǎo.”He said to me: “Hello.”Direct speech act – 对于 is incorrect here.
Common mistakes
- Using 对于 with direct interpersonal verbs like 笑 or 说话 – e.g., ✗ 对于我笑 (should be 对我笑).
- Overusing 对 in formal topic marking where 对于 is more appropriate – e.g., in a formal essay, 对这个问题 may sound slightly informal; 对于这个问题 is preferred.
- Confusing 对 with 给 when meaning 'to' as in giving something – e.g., 他给我一本书 (not 对我一本书).
- Using 对 to mean 'regarding' in a sentence that begins a new topic in casual speech – while possible, it may sound awkward; 对于 is better.
FAQ
- When do I use 对 vs 对于?
- Use 对 for actions directed at people (对我笑) or attitudes toward people/things (对他感兴趣). Use 对于 to introduce the topic of a statement, especially in formal contexts (对于这个问题). They overlap when marking a topic in less formal situations, but 对 cannot replace 对于 in formal topic introductions.
- Can 对 and 对于 be used interchangeably?
- Only in some topic-marking contexts, and with a difference in formality. For direct interpersonal actions (e.g., 对我说话), 对于 is never correct. For formal topic marking, 对 may sound less appropriate.
- Is 对于 more formal than 对?
- Yes. 对于 is primarily used in written or formal spoken Chinese to mark the topic of discussion. 对 is neutral and far more common in everyday conversation.