Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu"
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关于 and 对于 seem similar, since both of these propositions are used to point to specific people or things. However, when taking a closer look, the things they discuss and the angles they take are different.
Contents
The point of emphasis is different 着重点不一样
对于 looks towards the object referred to, and usually the person or object referred to has adopted a certain attitude or has come into some kind of situation.
Structure
对于 + person/thing
Examples
- 对于 那 个 人 我 并 不 了解。
- 对于我们 的 学习 方法，老师 很 满意。
- 她对于这 件 礼物 非常 珍惜。
关于 emphasizes a range, and it introduces all things that are related to it.
Structure
关于 + (range), (things related)
Examples
- 关于这件礼物，有一个感人的故事。
- 关于我们的学习方法，老师说有很多毛病。
Notice that in the second example, if you were just to say "老师说有很多毛病" without first pointing out what it's refering to 学习方法, it would cause some confusion.
Situations where they are the same
When the point emphasized is pretty clear (whether it be a range or a specific thing), then you can use either.
Examples
- 关于/对于这份决议，大家还有什么补充吗？
- 关于/对于这个问题，你们还有什么意见？
Both have different word orders when using them as adverbial clauses
When 对于 and 关于 act as adverbial clauses (a group of related words that act like an adverb), they have somewhat different words orders. You can place 对于 before or after the subject, while 关于 can only be placed before the subject.
Structure
“关于......”,+主语+谓词......
“对于......”,+主语+谓词......
主语+“对于......”+谓词......
Sources and further reading
Books
- 对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (对于 vs 关于 p.202) →buy
Dictionaries
- 现代汉语词典（第5版） (关于p.501，对于 p.346) →buy
