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.

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.

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.

对于 emphasizes the object referred to

Structure

Examples

Special conditions

Examples

至于 can change the topic

Structure

Examples

至于 can also emphasize degree

Structure

Examples

Examples of right and wrong sentences

Example Dialog

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries