〜に対して

〜に対して is a particle that functions as a toward / regarding in Japanese sentences. Particles are the building blocks of Japanese grammar — small words that define the grammatical relationship between other words. Mastering 〜に対して is essential for constructing correct and natural-sounding sentences.

This is an upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.

When to Use#

• When describing an attitude or action directed at a specific target
• When contrasting how different subjects are treated

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "toward / regarding" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• 孫に対して愛情を持っています。 — I have affection towards my grandchildren.
• 祖父の業績に対して尊敬しています。 — I respect my grandfather for his achievements.
• 子供の将来に対して心配しています。 — I am concerned about my children's future.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜に対して interchangeably with 〜に関して — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜に関して (regarding / concerning) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Omitting 〜に対して in contexts where it's required — While particles can sometimes be dropped in very casual speech, omitting 〜に対して in the wrong context changes the meaning or sounds ungrammatical.

Related Patterns#

• 〜に関して (regarding / concerning) — Similar