至于: As for a New Subtopic in Chinese
至于
至于 shifts from an established matter to a related subtopic, often translated as as for or regarding. It directly introduces the new topic, which is followed by a complete comment. The two characters form one connector and cannot be split by particles or followed by an unfinished topic-only fragment.
Published July 23, 2026
Reviewed July 23, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Previous matter, 至于 + New topic, + Comment
Read the structure
至于 shifts from an established matter to a related subtopic, often translated as as for or regarding. It directly introduces the new topic, which is followed by a complete comment. The two characters form one connector and cannot be split by particles or followed by an unfinished topic-only fragment. Keep the model Previous matter, 至于 + New topic, + Comment visible while you compare each sentence.
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用，还要再讨论。
The travel dates are set; as for the cost, it still needs discussion.
Choose the right context
Shift to a related question after resolving the main matter. Separate a general decision from details still pending. Organize formal explanation by topic.
方案可以通过，至于细节，下周再谈。
The plan can pass; as for details, we will discuss them next week.
Respect the boundary
Do not split 至于. Do not attach 了 to it. Do not leave the introduced topic without a comment.
旅行定了，至了于费用，还要讨论。
(The trip is set; as-le-for costs, discuss more.)
Repair the pattern
The connector is split by 了: 至于 is an indivisible connector and cannot contain 了. The new topic has no comment: 至于 introduces a topic that requires a following comment.
旅行定了，至于费用，还要讨论。
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.
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用，还要再讨论。
The travel dates are set; as for the cost, it still needs discussion.
旅行
Previous matter, 至于
This part occupies the Previous matter, 至于 position in the model pattern.
时间
New topic,
This part occupies the New topic, position in the model pattern.
已经
Comment
This part occupies the Comment position in the model pattern.
定
Previous matter, 至于
This part occupies the Previous matter, 至于 position in the model pattern.
了
New topic,
This part occupies the New topic, position in the model pattern.
，
Comment
This part occupies the Comment position in the model pattern.
至于
Previous matter, 至于
This part occupies the Previous matter, 至于 position in the model pattern.
费用
New topic,
This part occupies the New topic, position in the model pattern.
，
Comment
This part occupies the Comment position in the model pattern.
还
Previous matter, 至于
This part occupies the Previous matter, 至于 position in the model pattern.
要
New topic,
This part occupies the New topic, position in the model pattern.
再
Comment
This part occupies the Comment position in the model pattern.
讨论
Previous matter, 至于
This part occupies the Previous matter, 至于 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.
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用，还要再讨论。
The travel dates are set; as for the cost, it still needs discussion.
方案可以通过，至于细节，下周再谈。
The plan can pass; as for details, we will discuss them next week.
我会参加，至于他来不来，我不清楚。
I will attend; as for whether he comes, I do not know.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Shift to a related question after resolving the main matter.
- Separate a general decision from details still pending.
- Organize formal explanation by topic.
Do not use it when
- Do not split 至于.
- Do not attach 了 to it.
- Do not leave the introduced topic without a comment.
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.
旅行定了，至了于费用，还要讨论。
旅行定了，至于费用，还要讨论。
The connector is split by 了
至于 is an indivisible connector and cannot contain 了.
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用。
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用，还要再讨论。
The new topic has no comment
至于 introduces a topic that requires a following comment.
旅行定了，至了于费用，还要讨论。
至于 is an indivisible connector and cannot contain 了.
旅行时间已经定了，至于费用。
至于 introduces a topic that requires a following comment.
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 至于.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 至于. 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
至于: As for a New Subtopic Questions
Can 至于 begin a sentence?
Yes when the surrounding discourse already supplies the matter from which the speaker is shifting.
What follows 至于?
A new topic follows it, then a complete comment about that 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 6 item 【六16】, 介词：至于
Supports placement in HSK 6; it does not independently establish the usage explanation.
Official sourceA Reference Grammar of Chinese
Huang, Shi and Li · Cambridge University Press · 2022
Locator: Chapter 13, §§13.1–13.4, prepositional phrases; Chapter 17, §17.1, topic preposing
Supports 至于 as a topic-introducing prepositional connector followed by a comment on the newly framed topic.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
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