关于 vs 对于 (guānyú vs duìyú): subject matter versus target of attitude
Chinese has two common coverbs for introducing a topic: 关于 (guānyú) and 对于 (duìyú). While both can head a phrase that appears at the beginning or before the main clause, they are not interchangeable. 关于 marks the subject matter or scope of a discussion (like 'about' or 'concerning'), while 对于 marks the target of an opinion, attitude, or effect (like 'regarding' or 'toward'). Choosing the correct one depends on whether you are simply naming the topic or pointing to the recipient of an action or feeling.
Both 关于 (guānyú) and 对于 (duìyú) are prepositions that introduce a topic phrase, often placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. Their core difference lies in what kind of relationship they express: 关于 introduces the subject matter, scope, or field of a statement (e.g., the topic of a report or discussion), while 对于 introduces the entity that is the target of an action, opinion, emotion, or evaluation. As a rule of thumb, if the main clause describes an action or attitude directed at the topic, use 对于; if it simply states something about the topic (often with stative verbs or general statements), use 关于. In formal writing, 关于 is more common in titles and headings; 对于 often pairs with verbs or adjectives that express feelings, judgments, or treatments. Note that 对于 is often interchangeable with the shorter form 对 (especially in spoken Chinese), while 关于 cannot be replaced by 对.
When to use each
Use 关于 to introduce the subject matter, scope, or field of a discussion, document, or statement. It answers 'on what topic?' and is very common in titles, announcements, and formal contexts that define the subject. It sets the frame for the entire statement without necessarily implying a direct reaction or attitude toward the topic.
Unlike 对于, 关于 does not signal that the main clause is a response to or treatment of the topic; it simply marks the topic itself. This makes 关于 the go-to choice for pure topic introduction.
Use 对于 to introduce the target of an opinion, emotion, action, or effect. It indicates that the following comment, feeling, or action is directed toward that entity. 对于 is especially common with verbs of evaluation (e.g., 评价, 批评), feelings (e.g., 感谢, 失望), and actions that affect the target (e.g., 处理, 解决). It often appears at the beginning of a sentence to front the topic for emphasis.
对于 is more formal than 对 and is typically used in written or careful speech. When the topic is placed in the middle of the sentence, 对 is usually preferred over 对于.
At a glance
| 关于 | 对于 | |
|---|---|---|
| Core function | Introduces subject matter / scope of a statement | Introduces target of an attitude, action, or effect |
| Common English equivalent | about, concerning, on the topic of | regarding, toward, with respect to |
| Interchangeability with 对 | Cannot be replaced by 对 | Often interchangeable with 对 (especially when the topic phrase comes after the subject) |
| Frequency in titles / headings | Very common (e.g., 关于气候变化的报告) | Less common; titles typically use 关于 or 对 |
Examples
- 关于关于这个问题，我们下次再讨论。Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen xià cì zài tǎolùn.Concerning this problem, we'll discuss it next time.Introduces the topic of discussion; the action (讨论) is not directed at the topic as a target but rather a general activity around it.
- 对于对于你的建议，我非常感谢。Duìyú nǐ de jiànyì, wǒ fēicháng gǎnxiè.Regarding your suggestion, I am very grateful.Indicates the target of gratitude; the emotion (感谢) is directed toward the suggestion.
- 关于关于这本书，你有什么看法？Guānyú zhè běn shū, nǐ yǒu shénme kànfǎ?About this book, what is your opinion?Asking for an opinion about a topic – here 关于 is natural because the question introduces the subject matter.
- 对于对于这个计划，我们持保留态度。Duìyú zhège jìhuà, wǒmen chí bǎoliú tàidù.Regarding this plan, we have reservations.The attitude (持保留态度) is directed toward the plan as a target.
- 对于✗对于这个问题，我们下次再讨论。Duìyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen xià cì zài tǎolùn.(Intended: About this problem, we'll discuss it next time.)✗ Wrong: should be 关于. The sentence simply states a topic of discussion, not an attitude or action targeted at the problem.
- 对于✓对于他的行为，我很失望。Duìyú tā de xíngwéi, wǒ hěn shīwàng.Regarding his behavior, I am very disappointed.Correct: disappointment is an emotion directed at the behavior.
Common mistakes
- Using 关于 to introduce the target of an emotion: e.g., *关于这个结果，我很失望 – should be 对于 (or 对).
- Using 对于 to introduce a topic that is merely subject matter with no directed attitude: e.g., *对于气候变化，有很多研究 – should be 关于 (the sentence just says 'there is much research on climate change').
- Using 关于 in a sentence that requires a target of action: e.g., *关于他的建议，我表示同意 – should be 对于 (同意 is a reaction directed at the suggestion).
- Overusing 对于 in titles where 关于 is standard: e.g., writing *对于环境保护的报告 instead of 关于环境保护的报告.
FAQ
- When do I use 关于 vs 对于?
- Use 关于 to introduce the subject matter or scope of a statement (like 'about' or 'concerning'). Use 对于 to introduce the target of an opinion, emotion, action, or effect (like 'regarding' or 'toward'). If the main clause expresses a feeling or evaluation directed at the topic, use 对于; if it simply discusses the topic, use 关于.
- Can 关于 and 对于 be used interchangeably?
- No, they are not interchangeable because they serve different functions. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural or change the intended meaning. For example, '关于他的行为，我很失望' would be wrong because disappointment is directed at the behavior; it should be 对于.
- Is 对于 always interchangeable with 对?
- In many cases, especially when the topic phrase appears in the middle of the sentence, 对于 can be replaced by 对 without changing the meaning, though 对于 is more formal. However, when the topic is fronted for emphasis (as in '对于这个问题，...'), 对于 is more common. 关于 cannot be replaced by 对.
- Why do titles often use 关于?
- Because titles typically state the subject or scope of a work, such as 'A Report on Climate Change'. 关于 is the natural choice for marking the subject matter. 对于 would imply a targeted attitude (e.g., 'Regarding Climate Change'), which is rare in titles.