Using "dui" with verbs

When using 对 (duì) as a preposition, it is used to indicate "to" or "towards" a object or target. As with all prepositions, some care should be taken when using this particle, as usage of 对 doesn't always totally "make sense" or correspond to English at all.

Basic Structure

The structure is basically:

对 + Object + Verb Phrase

Note that you shouldn't be plugging in just any old verb here. Certain verbs are often used with 对, and some even need 对 if you want to add an object (like 感兴趣, explained below).

Examples

Here are some examples:

  • 笑。
  • 我 要 负责。
  • 很 客气。
  • 你 为什么 有 意见 ?
  • 西安 不 熟悉。
  • 抽烟 健康 有害。

对 is also used in two set structures: 对……来说 ("for... [a person]") and 对...感兴趣 ("to be interested in...").

对……来说

This essentially means "for... (a person)." It's for making a statement from a certain person's point of view.

The pattern is:

对 + Person + 来说

  • 川菜 来说 太 辣 了。
  • 来说 英语 很 容易。
  • 来说 书法 很 有意思。

对……感兴趣

In English was say "to be interested in something." In Chinese, the pattern is:

对 + Object + 感兴趣

  • 书法 感 兴趣。
  • 英语 很 感兴趣?
  • 你 好像 不太 感兴趣。

See also


Sources and further reading

Books