The differences between 对于 (duìyú), and 至于 (zhìyú) can be
confusing. They both have similar meanings like "concerning,"
"regarding" or "as for." Learn what they are in this article!
对于 emphasizes the
object referred to
对于 usually emphasizes the thing that it is pointing to. Usually
where you use 对 you can use 对于.
Structure
As an adverb or adverbial clause, you can place if before or
after the subject. It cannot be an attributive modifier.
Subj. + 对于 + Modifier + Predicate
对于 + Modifier， Subj. + Predicate
Examples
- 对于 这 种 人，就 不 该 跟 他们 讲 道理。As for
this kind of person, you are not supposed to reason with
them.
- 对于 电脑，我 什么 都 不 懂。I don't
understand anything about computers.
- 我 对于 电脑 什么 都 不 懂。I don't
understand anything about computers.
Special conditions
Sometimes, 关于 and 对于 don't have any differences at all, however
those instances are few. For example:
Examples
- 对于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。 Duìyú
zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn.As for
this problem, I don't have any ideas.
- 关于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。 Guānyú
zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn.As for
this problem, I don't have any ideas.
- 对于 这个 话题，我 觉得 没什么 可 讨论 的。For this
topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed.
- 关于 这个话题，我觉得没什么可 讨论 的。For this
topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed.
至于 can change the topic
Structure
As a preposition, it points to another topic, and emphasizes
changing the subject of conversation.
至于 + Topic，Subj. + Verb Phrase
Examples
- 我们 要 开始 这 个 项目 了，至于 什么 时候 开始，还 没 定。We're going to start this project, but we still haven't
decided when.
- 至于 这 个 问题，我们 还 需要 进一步 讨论。For this
problem, we need a further discussion.
至于 can also emphasize
degree
Structure
As an adverb, it expresses "having reached a certain degree or
step." After it you can link it to words or phrases that describe
degree. You can also say 至于 by itself or use 不至于.
Examples
- 这 点 小 事情，至于 这么 生气 吗？With such a
small thing, why are you so angry?
- 我 是 不 高兴，但 不至于 不 跟 你 说话。I'm not
happy, but not to the point that I won't talk with you.
Examples of right
and wrong sentences
- 你 关于 这 个 问题 怎么 看？
- 关于 这 个 问题， 你 怎么 看？
- 关于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？
- 对于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？
Example Dialog
- A: 我们 今天 的 会议 内容 是 讨论 一下 关于 开发 中国 市场 的 问题。The content of today's meeting is a discussion about the
problems in developing China's markets.
- B: 我 的 意见 是 对于 中国 市场 我们 还 不 了解，最好 是 再 等等。My opinion towards the Chinese markets is that we still
don't understand. The best thing is to wait some more.
- A: 对于 是 不 是 开发 中国 市场 我们 已经 决定 了，现在 的 问题 是 什么 时候
开发。We've already decided about developing the
markets, the problem now is when to start.
- B：那么，关于 这 个 议题，我 没有 什么 可 说 的 了。Then, as for this topic, I have nothing more to
say.
See Also
Sources and further
reading
Books
Dictionaries
Category:grammar comparison