Topic Frame with 对于 in Chinese
对于
对于 introduces the entity, issue, or domain with respect to which the following comment is made. The entire 对于 phrase normally precedes the comment, often at clause start. It establishes a perspective or topic rather than marking the direct object, so it cannot be inserted between a transitive verb and that verb's object.
Published July 23, 2026
Reviewed July 23, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
对于 + Topic + (Subject +) Comment
Read the structure
对于 introduces the entity, issue, or domain with respect to which the following comment is made. The entire 对于 phrase normally precedes the comment, often at clause start. It establishes a perspective or topic rather than marking the direct object, so it cannot be inserted between a transitive verb and that verb's object. Keep the model 对于 + Topic + (Subject +) Comment visible while you compare each sentence.
对于这个问题，我们还要讨论。
As for this issue, we still need to discuss it.
Choose the right context
Use 对于 to frame the issue discussed in the following comment. Use it clause-initially before a general evaluation. Use 对于 + noun before a subject-comment clause about that noun.
对于初学者来说，这很难。
For a beginner, this is difficult.
Respect the boundary
Do not use 对于 as a direct-object marker after a transitive verb. Do not insert aspect marking between 对于 and its object. Do not strand 对于 without a following topic noun phrase.
我们讨论对于这个问题。
(We discuss this issue.)
Repair the pattern
Topic preposition inserted after the main verb: 对于 introduces a preposed topic frame; it does not mark the direct object after 讨论. Aspect marker splits preposition and topic: 对于 and its object form one prepositional phrase; experiential 过 belongs to the main verb.
对于这个问题，我们进行讨论。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
对于这个问题，我们还要讨论。
As for this issue, we still need to discuss it.
对于
对于
This part occupies the 对于 position in the model pattern.
这个
Topic
This part occupies the Topic position in the model pattern.
问题
(Subject
This part occupies the (Subject position in the model pattern.
，
) Comment
This part occupies the ) Comment position in the model pattern.
我们
对于
This part occupies the 对于 position in the model pattern.
还
Topic
This part occupies the Topic position in the model pattern.
要
(Subject
This part occupies the (Subject position in the model pattern.
讨论
) Comment
This part occupies the ) Comment position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
对于这个问题，我们还要讨论。
As for this issue, we still need to discuss it.
对于初学者来说，这很难。
For a beginner, this is difficult.
他对于音乐很有研究。
He is very knowledgeable about music.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Use 对于 to frame the issue discussed in the following comment.
- Use it clause-initially before a general evaluation.
- Use 对于 + noun before a subject-comment clause about that noun.
Do not use it when
- Do not use 对于 as a direct-object marker after a transitive verb.
- Do not insert aspect marking between 对于 and its object.
- Do not strand 对于 without a following topic noun phrase.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
我们讨论对于这个问题。
对于这个问题，我们进行讨论。
Topic preposition inserted after the main verb
对于 introduces a preposed topic frame; it does not mark the direct object after 讨论.
对于了这个问题，我们讨论过。
对于这个问题，我们讨论过。
Aspect marker splits preposition and topic
对于 and its object form one prepositional phrase; experiential 过 belongs to the main verb.
我们讨论对于这个问题。
对于 introduces a preposed topic frame; it does not mark the direct object after 讨论.
对于了这个问题，我们讨论过。
对于 and its object form one prepositional phrase; experiential 过 belongs to the main verb.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 对于.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 对于. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
Topic Frame with 对于 Questions
Can 对于 appear after the subject?
Yes. It can follow the subject when it still precedes the predicate it frames.
How is 对于 different from 关于?
They overlap in topic framing, but 对于 often highlights an attitude or relation toward the topic.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: GF0025-2021 Appendix A, Level 4 item 【四14】 (PDF pp. 212-213)
Provides official Level 4 directory placement and examples only; it does not establish the learner-facing usage explanation.
Official sourceModern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide, 3rd ed.
Ross, Ma, Chen, He and Yeh · Routledge · 2024
Locator: Chapter 57, Topic and focus
Supports clause-initial topic-introducing expressions and a following comment; GF item 【四14】 supplies the exact 对于 patterns.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Compare
作为Role Frame with 作为
对于 introduces the topic being evaluated; 作为 introduces the identity or role under which someone acts.
Continue learning
主谓谓语句Topic-Comment Predicate Sentences
Compare an explicit 对于 topic frame with the unmarked outer topic of a topic-comment sentence.
Continue learning
地点Place Word Placement
Arrange the 对于 phrase in the appropriate position before and after the subject, and review the prepositional frame components usually before the core predicate.
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Arrange the 对于 phrase in the appropriate position before and after the subject, and review the prepositional frame components usually before the core predicate.