关于 vs 对于 (regarding)

• Pinyin: guānyú, duìyú
• Formation: 关于 + Topic，Subj. + Verb :: 对于 + Target，Subj. + Attitude / Opinion
• Hanzi breakdown: 关 = 丷 + 天 — to close, to concern; 对 = 又 (hand) + 寸 (inch) — to face, toward

Meaning

关于 and 对于 both translate to 'regarding' or 'about' but differ in scope. 关于 introduces a topic or subject matter in a general sense, while 对于 specifies a target that an action, opinion, or attitude is directed toward.

关于 is broader — it frames a topic the way 'about' or 'concerning' does in English. It can be used as a title marker (关于环境保护的报告 — a report about environmental protection) and often appears at the beginning of sentences to set the topic. 对于 is more specific — it marks the object of an attitude, feeling, or action, similar to 'towards' or 'with regard to.' A useful test: if you can replace the word with 'towards,' use 对于; if 'about' works better, use 关于. 关于 can modify nouns directly with 的, but 对于 typically cannot serve as a title marker. Both can appear at the sentence beginning followed by a topic, but 对于 requires the main clause to express a viewpoint or reaction.

Examples

1. 关于这个问题，我们需要进一步讨论。 Regarding this issue, we need to discuss it further.
2. 对于他的决定，大家都表示理解。 As for his decision, everyone expressed understanding.
3. 关于明天的活动安排，请看通知。 Regarding tomorrow's activity arrangements, please see the notice.

Usage Guide

Context: written, spoken, formal

Tone: explanatory

Do Say

• 关于中国文化，我了解得不多。
• 对于这件事情，她有自己的看法。
• 关于公司的未来发展方向，下次会议再讨论。

Don't Say

• 对于中国历史的书，我买了很多。(When modifying a noun with 'about,' use 关于 + Noun + 的 — 对于 cannot directly serve as a topic label for a noun) → 关于中国历史的书，我买了很多。
• 关于你的批评，我会认真反思。(When expressing a personal reaction toward something directed at you, use 对于 — 关于 only introduces general topics) → 对于你的批评，我会认真反思。

Origin & History

关于 combines 关 (to close, to concern) with 于 (at/in), literally meaning 'concerning.' 对于 combines 对 (to face, toward) with 于 (at/in), literally meaning 'facing toward.' Their distinct etymologies mirror their different functions: one sets a topic, the other targets an object.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal