In Contrast To / Toward: 〜に対して

Learn how 〜に対して marks contrast, a target, or an attitude directed toward someone or something.

Use 〜に対して for comparison and contrast.Recognize target meanings such as attitudes or responses toward someone.Read formal writing with clearer relational structure.

About 10 minutes · written and reviewed by Haruki Yamamoto

Lesson article

Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context

Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.

Section 1 of 3

Contrast Use

One important use of 〜に対して is to compare one thing with another. In this use, it often means 'in contrast to' or 'whereas.'

Target signal
兄は数学が得意なのに対して、弟は国語が得意だ。
Whereas the older brother is good at math, the younger brother is good at language arts.
The phrase sets up a clear contrast.
Vocabulary notes
して
doing and
のに
even though; although
国語こくご
Japanese language class; Japanese
Compare in context
都市部に対して、地方では人口が減っている。
In contrast to urban areas, the regional areas are losing population.
The comparison is formal and written in tone.
Vocabulary notes
ている〜ている
to be doing; to be in a resulting state
いる
to exist; to be
して
doing and

Section 2 of 3

Target of Attitude or Action

〜に対して can also mark the target of an attitude, response, or action directed at someone or something.

Target signal
お客様に対して失礼な言い方だ。
That is a rude way to speak to a customer.
The customer is the target of the attitude.
Vocabulary notes
お客様おきゃくさま
customer; guest (polite)
言い方いいかた
way of saying; expression
して
doing and
Preview
会社は質問に対してすぐ返答した。
The company responded immediately to the question.
The question is the target of the response.
Vocabulary notes
した
did
して
doing and
すぐ
right away; immediately

Section 3 of 3

Reading Use

In formal passages, に対して is common because it can express either contrast or directed relation. Use the surrounding verb or adjective to decide which meaning is intended.

Target signal
賛成意見が多いのに対して、反対意見は少なかった。
Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions.
The phrase marks contrast.
Vocabulary notes
して
doing and
のに
even though; although
多いおおい
many; much
Preview
子どもに対して丁寧に説明する必要がある。
There is a need to explain things carefully to children.
The phrase marks the target group.
Vocabulary notes
説明するせつめいする
to explain
子どもこども
child; children
あるありません
there is not; do not have

Reading in context

Read for meaning before checking the answer

Before you read

Read once for the situation. Then notice how 〜に対して changes the meaning before you check the translation.

兄は数学が得意なのに対して、弟は国語が得意だ。都市部に対して、地方では人口が減っている。お客様に対して失礼な言い方だ。会社は質問に対してすぐ返答した。賛成意見が多いのに対して、反対意見は少なかった。子どもに対して丁寧に説明する必要がある。もう一度読んでください。前後の文を比べてください。場面と話し手を考えてください。意味の流れを最後まで確認して、使い分けを考えてください。もう一度読んでください。前後の文を比べてください。場面と話し手を考えてください。意味の流れを最後まで確認して、使い

Show English translation

Whereas the older brother is good at math, the younger brother is good at language arts. In contrast to urban areas, the regional areas are losing population. That is a rude way to speak to a customer. The company responded immediately to the question. Whereas there were many opinions in favor, there were few opposed opinions. There is a need to explain things carefully to children.

Contextual questions

Answer from the passage before you reveal each explanation.

What is the first reading job for this passage?
- Identify the situation and how 〜に対して changes it.
- Translate every word before using context.
- Ignore the ending because only vocabulary matters.
- Choose an answer before reading the full passage.
Check the answer
Identify the situation and how 〜に対して changes it.
The goal is to use the situation first, then confirm the role of 〜に対して in context.

Guided practice

Apply the lesson in a few different ways

Work through each prompt, then check the explanation before moving on.

Activity 1 of 4Choose the best context

Which is a common meaning of 〜に対して?

Activity 2 of 4Fill the blank

Complete the chunk that carries the lesson meaning (〜に対して).

兄は数学が得意なのに対＿＿＿、弟は国語が得意だ。

Your answer

Activity 3 of 4Put it in order

Put these related examples back into the order used in the lesson.

1都市部に対して、地方では人口が減っている。
2お客様に対して失礼な言い方だ。
3兄は数学が得意なのに対して、弟は国語が得意だ。

Activity 4 of 4Infer from the passage

What should guide your interpretation of 〜に対して in the mini-reading?

Mastery check 1/4