HSK 2
对
duì
The preposition 对 (toward, regarding) indicating the target
Explanation
对 (duì) here is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship: with, toward, to), used to introduce the TARGET at which an action, emotion, or utterance is directed.
Subject (the person or thing performing) + 对 + target + predicate (the part stating the action or quality).
她对顾客非常热情 (She is very warm toward customers).
Use it when you want to specify at whom or what an attitude/action is aimed, translated as 'with' or 'toward'. The whole phrase 对 + target always comes BEFORE the verb or adjective, never after.
Vietnamese learners are used to placing the target after the verb (like 'tell this to him'), so they often wrongly write 说对他. The correct form is 对他说 - putting the phrase 对 + target before the verb 说 (say).
Examples
She is very warm and attentive toward customers.
Have you told him about this matter?
Practice
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Learn “对” effectively
The grammar point “对” (The preposition 对 (toward, regarding) indicating the target) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.