～に対して — Directed Toward / In Contrast
Has two main uses: (1) 'toward / against', marking the target of an attitude, action, or feeling directed at someone or something; and (2) 'in contrast to', comparing two opposing things. The context makes clear which meaning applies. It is a versatile, moderately formal expression.
Structure
[Noun] + に対して（に対する＋Noun）
Examples
先生に対して失礼な態度を取ってはいけない。
Sensei ni taishite shitsurei na taido wo totte wa ikenai.
You must not take a rude attitude toward your teacher.
Target of an attitude: 先生 + に対して ('toward')
質問に対して丁寧に答えた。
Shitsumon ni taishite teinei ni kotaeta.
He answered the questions politely.
に対して marks the thing being responded to
兄が社交的なのに対して、弟は無口だ。
Ani ga shakouteki na no ni taishite, otouto wa mukuchi da.
In contrast to the sociable older brother, the younger one is quiet.
Contrast use: 〜のに対して sets two opposing subjects against each other
• Meaning 1: 'toward/against' — the target of an action or feeling. • Meaning 2: 'in contrast to' — often as [plain]のに対して. • Use に対する before a noun (先生に対する態度).
Commonly confused with
The JLPT rarely asks whether you recognise a pattern — it asks which of several similar patterns fits. These are the ones ～に対して is tested against.
vs について
について means 'about / concerning' a topic of discussion; に対して marks a target that an action or attitude is directed AT, or a contrast.
vs に向かって
に向かって is physical/directional ('facing toward'); に対して is about the abstract target of an attitude or a logical contrast.
More connectives
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