Toward, regarding, correct, right — 对 is one of Mandarin's most versatile words, functioning as a preposition, an adjective, and a key element in common fixed expressions.
概览gàilǎnThree Core Uses of 对
语法洞见 yǔfǎ dòngjiàn · Grammar Insight
对 duì is one of the most frequently used words in Mandarin, appearing in three distinct grammatical roles. Understanding all three is essential for both speaking and listening comprehension.
1. Preposition — 对 + [person/thing] means "toward, to, regarding, with respect to": 对我说 (say to me), 对你有帮助 (helpful to you), 对这件事感兴趣 (interested in this matter). The key sense: 对 orients an action or attitude toward its object.
2. Adjective/Predicate — 对 alone means "correct, right": 你说得对 (you're right), 这个答案对 (this answer is correct). Its antonym is 错 cuò (wrong, incorrect). Used as a response: 对！(Right! Correct!) or 对对对 (Yes yes yes — emphatic agreement).
3. Fixed expressions — 对 appears in some of the most common phrases in Chinese: 对不起 duìbuqǐ (I'm sorry), 对了 duì le (Oh right! — used when remembering something), 对吗？duì ma? (Is that right?), 面对 miànduì (to face), 相对 xiāngduì (relatively; relative).
介词jiècíPreposition — Toward / Regarding
介词句型 jiècí jùxíng · Prepositional Pattern[Subject] + 对 + [Object] + [Verb/Adj Phrase]
他对我说了一句话。He said something to me.
她对工作很认真。She is very serious about her work.
我对这个问题不了解。I don't know about this issue.
对 + object + verb/adjduì + object + VP/APtoward/regarding [object] — orientating an attitude or action
Structure 句型 jùxíng
对 introduces the target, recipient, or subject-matter of an attitude or action. Common patterns: 对…感兴趣 (interested in…), 对…有帮助 (helpful for…), 对…负责 (responsible for…), 对…满意 (satisfied with…), 对…失望 (disappointed with…). The object of 对 can be a person, topic, situation, or abstract thing.
他对中国文化非常感兴趣。
Tā duì Zhōngguó wénhuà fēicháng gǎn xìngqù.
He is very interested in Chinese culture.
多吃蔬菜对身体有好处。
Duō chī shūcài duì shēntǐ yǒu hǎochu.
Eating more vegetables is good for your health.
你对他说什么了？
Nǐ duì tā shuō shénme le?
What did you say to him?
形容词xíngróngcíAdjective — Correct / Right
对 vs 错 · Right vs Wrong对 duì = correct, right · 错 cuò = wrong, incorrect
你说得对。= You're right (in what you said).
这道题对了。= This problem is correct.
我做错了。= I did it wrong.
对！= Right! Correct! (response in conversation)
固定gùdìngFixed Expressions — Essential 对 Phrases
对不起duìbuqǐI'm sorry — lit. "I cannot face you"
Fixed 固定 gùdìng
对 duì (to face; toward) + 不起 buqǐ (cannot rise to; cannot face). Literally: "I cannot face you" — an expression of guilt and apology for having let someone down. The response is 没关系 méi guānxi (it doesn't matter) or 没事 méishì (no problem). For lighter apologies, 不好意思 bù hǎoyìsi (excuse me; I feel bad about this) is common. 对不起 is more serious than 不好意思.
对不起，我来晚了，路上堵车了。
Duìbuqǐ, wǒ lái wǎn le, lùshàng dǔchē le.
I'm sorry I'm late — there was traffic.
对了duì leOh right! — used when remembering something
Fixed 固定 gùdìng
对 duì (correct) + 了 le (change of state). "Oh right!" — used to introduce something you just remembered or to redirect a conversation. Not about correctness in this use — 对了 at the beginning of a sentence is a discourse marker meaning "Oh! I just remembered…" or "Wait, by the way…". Extremely common in natural conversation.
对了，你知道王老师的电话号码吗？
Duì le, nǐ zhīdào Wáng lǎoshī de diànhuà hàomǎ ma?
Oh right — do you have Teacher Wang's phone number?
例句lìjùExtended Examples — Natural Contexts
对 across contextsnatural usageAll three uses in everyday conversation
Examples 例句
Examples showing 对 as preposition, adjective, and discourse marker.
他对朋友非常慷慨，有什么好的都会分享。
Tā duì péngyou fēicháng kāngkǎi, yǒu shénme hǎo de dōu huì fēnxiǎng.
He is very generous toward his friends — he shares anything good he has.
你的发音对了，现在练习声调。
Nǐ de fāyīn duì le, xiànzài liànxí shēngdiào.
Your pronunciation is correct now — practice the tones.