对于

• Pinyin: duì yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 = 又 (hand) + 寸 (measure), simplified from 對; 于 = simplified form of 於, a grammatical particle

Meaning

Regarding; as for; with regard to. A preposition used to introduce the topic being discussed.

A formal preposition that introduces a topic or the object of an action, often appearing at the beginning of a sentence. More formal than 对, which can often replace 对于 in casual speech. Commonly used in written Chinese, news, and academic contexts.

Examples

1. 对于这个问题，大家有不同的看法。 Regarding this issue, everyone has different opinions.
2. 对于初学者来说，这本书非常合适。 For beginners, this book is very suitable.
3. 对于他的建议，我觉得可以考虑。 As for his suggestion, I think it's worth considering.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 对于这件事，你怎么看？(What do you think about this matter?)
• 对于学生来说，考试压力很大。(For students, exam pressure is very high.)

Don't Say

• 在很随意的口语中用'对于' (Don't use 对于 in very casual speech — it sounds stiff; simply use 对 or restructure the sentence naturally)

Origin & History

Compound of 对 (toward, regarding) and 于 (at, in, with regard to). The addition of 于 makes the preposition more formal and emphatic.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal