针对

• Pinyin: zhēn duì
• Hanzi breakdown: 针 = 钅(金) (metal) + 十, needle; 对 = 又 (hand) + 寸 (inch/measure), to face or correspond to

Meaning

To target; to be aimed at; to be directed against. Used when an action, policy, or measure is specifically designed for a particular person, group, or issue.

A preposition-like verb meaning 'aimed at' or 'in response to'. Can introduce the object of a targeted action (针对这个问题 = regarding this issue) or describe hostile targeting (针对某人 = directed against someone). Common in formal speech, policy discussion, and analysis.

Examples

1. 政府出台了一系列针对中小企业的扶持政策。 The government has introduced a series of support policies targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.
2. 这份报告是专门针对环境污染问题撰写的。 This report was written specifically to address the problem of environmental pollution.
3. 他觉得老板的批评是专门针对自己的，心里很不舒服。 He felt the boss's criticism was directed specifically at him and felt very uncomfortable.

Usage Guide

Context: business, policy, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这项措施是针对近期出现的安全问题而制定的。(This measure was formulated in response to the recent safety issues that have emerged.)
• 我们需要针对不同客户群体制定不同的方案。(We need to develop different plans targeting different customer groups.)

Don't Say

• 用'针对'来表示一般的关心或关注 (Don't use 针对 to simply mean 'concerning' or 'caring about' — it implies specific targeting or directed action, which can sound confrontational if misused)

Origin & History

A compound of 针 (needle) and 对 (to face, to target). The metaphor is of pointing a needle precisely at a target — hence the meaning of targeting or directing at something specific.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal