对方

• Pinyin: duì fāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 (opposing/facing) + 方 (side/direction)

Meaning

The other party; the other side; counterpart. Refers to the person or group on the opposite side of an interaction.

Used in negotiations, conversations, competitions, relationships, and conflicts to refer to the other person or group involved. A neutral term that does not imply hostility.

Examples

1. 打电话的时候，要注意听对方说的话。 When making phone calls, pay attention to what the other person says.
2. 比赛中我们要尊重对方。 We should respect the opposing team during the competition.
3. 谈判之前，先了解对方的想法很重要。 Before negotiations, it is important to understand the other party's thoughts first.

Usage Guide

Context: negotiation, competition, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你要站在对方的角度想一想。(You should think about it from the other person's perspective.)
• 对方同意了我们的条件。(The other party agreed to our conditions.)

Don't Say

• 我和对方是好朋友 (When referring to a close friend, don't use 对方 — it sounds distant; use their name or 朋友)

Origin & History

Compound of 对 (opposing, facing) and 方 (side, party), literally 'opposing-side.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal