Processing keyword: ～に対して (〜ni taishite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に対して (〜ni taishite)

1. Introduction

The expression ～に対して (〜ni taishite) is a versatile grammar point in Japanese that is used to indicate direction towards a target, to express contrast, or to specify the object of certain emotions or actions. It can be translated as "towards," "against," "regarding," "in contrast to," or "whereas" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Towards; Against; Regarding; Concerning; In contrast to; Whereas

Structure

• [Noun] + に対して

Formation Diagram

[Subject] + は/が + [Noun] + に対して + [Action/Feeling/Description]

Detailed Explanation

1. Indicating Direction Towards a Target
   • When expressing actions or feelings directed towards a person, group, or object.
   • Example: 先生は学生に対して厳しい。
     • Sensei wa gakusei ni taishite kibishii.
     • "The teacher is strict towards the students."
2. Expressing Contrast Between Two Things
   • Used to highlight differences or contrasts between two subjects.
   • Example: 兄はスポーツが好きなのに対して、弟は読書が好きだ。
     • Ani wa supōtsu ga suki na no ni taishite, otōto wa dokusho ga suki da.
     • "Whereas the older brother likes sports, the younger brother prefers reading."
3. Regarding or Concerning
   • To specify the object or subject matter of discussion, emotion, or action.
   • Example: 新しい計画に対して意見があります。
     • Atarashii keikaku ni taishite iken ga arimasu.
     • "I have an opinion regarding the new plan."

Visual Aid: Usage Table

Function	Usage	Example
Direction towards someone/something	Actions or feelings aimed at a target	彼は会社に対して不満を持っている。 He is dissatisfied with the company.
Contrast between two things/situations	Highlighting differences	夏に対して冬は寒い。 In contrast to summer, winter is cold.
Regarding a topic	Discussing or addressing a subject matter	環境問題に対して関心が高まっている。 Interest in environmental issues is growing.

3. Comparative Analysis

～について (〜ni tsuite)

• Meaning: About; Concerning; Regarding
• Usage: Used when discussing or describing a topic in general.
• Comparison: While both に対して and について can be translated as "regarding," に対して often implies a response, action, or feeling directed towards the subject, or a contrast, whereas について is used simply to indicate the topic of discussion.

Grammar Point	Meaning	Usage
～に対して	Towards; Against; In contrast	Actions/feelings directed at something; Contrast
～について	About; Regarding	General discussion or description of a topic

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Situation

Japanese: 社長は社員の提案に対して検討を約束した。 Romaji: Shachō wa shain no teian ni taishite kentō o yakusoku shita. English: The president promised to consider the employees' proposals.

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Example 2: Expressing Feelings Towards Someone

Japanese: 彼女は友人に対して感謝の気持ちを持っている。 Romaji: Kanojo wa yūjin ni taishite kansha no kimochi o motte iru. English: She feels grateful towards her friends.

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Example 3: Highlighting Contrast

Japanese: 都会の生活が便利なのに対して、田舎の生活は静かだ。 Romaji: Tokai no seikatsu ga benri na no ni taishite, inaka no seikatsu wa shizuka da. English: Whereas city life is convenient, country life is quiet.

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Example 4: Informal Conversation

Japanese: 兄は辛いものが好きなのに対して、私は甘いものが好きだ。 Romaji: Ani wa karai mono ga suki na no ni taishite, watashi wa amai mono ga suki da. English: My older brother likes spicy food, whereas I like sweets.

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Example 5: Written Language

Japanese: この問題に対して、様々な意見が出された。 Romaji: Kono mondai ni taishite, samazama na iken ga dasareta. English: Various opinions were expressed regarding this issue.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: に対して is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in conversations, writings, and formal speeches.
• Expressing Respect or Formality: When directing actions or feelings towards someone of higher status, に対して helps maintain a respectful tone.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 敵に対して油断するな。
  • Teki ni taishite yudan suru na.
  • "Don't be off guard against the enemy."
• 目標に対して努力する。
  • Mokuhyō ni taishite doryoku suru.
  • "To make efforts towards a goal."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing に対して with について
   • Incorrect: 彼は環境問題について反対意見を持っている。
   • Correct: 彼は環境問題に対して反対意見を持っている。
   • Explanation: Use に対して when someone has an opinion directed towards a subject.
2. Using に対して with Verbs that Don't Require It
   • Incorrect: 彼は私に対して会った。
   • Correct: 彼は私に会った。
   • Explanation: The verb 会う (au) already indicates "meet someone," so に対して is unnecessary.

Tips

• Remember the Kanji: The kanji 対 means "opposite" or "versus," which can help you remember that に対して is used for contrasting or directing actions towards something.
• Association with Actions/Feelings: If an action or emotion is specifically directed at someone or something, に対して is likely the correct choice.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• に対して is used to:
  • Indicate actions or feelings directed towards someone or something.
  • Express contrast between two subjects or situations.
  • Specify the object of discussion or concern in a slightly more formal or directed manner than について.
• Structure: [Noun] + に対して

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with either に対して or について: a) この件___、ご意見はありますか？ b) 彼の失礼な態度___、皆が怒っている。
2. True or False: に対して can be used to contrast two different ideas or situations.
3. Choose the correct usage: "I studied Japanese culture." a) 日本の文化に対して勉強した。 b) 日本の文化について勉強した。

Answers

1. a) この件 について、ご意見はありますか？
   • "Do you have any opinions about this matter?" b) 彼の失礼な態度 に対して、皆が怒っている。
   • "Everyone is angry about his rude behavior."
2. True
3. b) 日本の文化について勉強した。
   • Use について when studying about a topic.

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By understanding and practicing ～に対して, you can express directed actions, contrasts, and specify subjects more precisely in Japanese.

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