对
HSK 2- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Preposition 对 is used to indicate the object or direction of an action or attitude, generally translated as 'with' or 'toward/regarding'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The preposition 对 (duì) introduces the target toward which an action or attitude is directed. Think of it as an arrow pointing at the recipient person/thing. It commonly appears with verbs such as 说 (to say), 笑 (to laugh/smile), or attitude expressions such as 好 (good), 满意 (satisfied), and 感兴趣 (interested).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 老师对学生很好。繁: 老師對學生很好。Lǎoshī duì xuéshēng hěn hǎo.
The teacher is very kind to the students.
- 他对我说谢谢。繁: 他對我說謝謝。Tā duì wǒ shuō xièxie.
He said thank you to me.
- 我对音乐感兴趣。繁: 我對音樂感興趣。Wǒ duì yīnyuè gǎn xìngqù.
I have an interest in music.
- 看手机对眼睛不好。繁: 看手機對眼睛不好。Kàn shǒujī duì yǎnjīng bù hǎo.
Looking at your phone is bad for your eyes.
- 你对这个计划满意吗？繁: 你對這個計劃滿意嗎？Nǐ duì zhège jìhuà mǎnyì ma?
Are you satisfied with this plan?
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我说他，明天见。Correct:我对他说，明天见。
When the verb 说 has a specific object, the preposition 对 is needed to indicate the listener.
- Wrong:我对朋友聊天。Correct:我跟朋友聊天。
聊天 (chatting) is a two-way action requiring interaction, so use 跟 (with). 对 usually indicates a one-way action.