Meanings of 對
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 對
Podcast: 對
Podcast: 對
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 對
对 (duì) vs 正确 (zhèngquè) — use 对 for informal agreement or correctness in conversation, while 正确 is more formal and specific to correctness.
Learners often confuse 對 with the similar-sounding 对 (duì), which can lead to tonal mistakes. It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in collocations like 對話 (duìhuà, dialogue) or 對立 (duìlì, opposition). Pay attention to the tone when using it, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
Although 對 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects to HSK 3 with terms related to correctness and agreement. Students should focus on its usage in responses and questions, such as 'Is this correct?' or 'I agree.'
Learners often mistakenly use 對 when they should use 不對 (bú duì, incorrect) to express disagreement. For instance, saying '你的回答對' (Your answer is right) when the answer is wrong should be corrected to '你的回答不對'.
Pronunciation of 對
Drill the tone of 對 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 對
Simplified form of 對. Origin unclear. Appears to be a hand using some sort of tool, possibly a rake or a hoe.
A hand 寸 holding a lit 业 candelabrum 羊
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 對
Simplified form of 對. Origin unclear. Appears to be a hand using some sort of tool, possibly a rake or a hoe.
- 1The giveawayA hand 寸 holding a lit 业 candelabrum 羊
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 對? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 對?
Decomposition of 對
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 對?
How to say correct, right; facing, opposed in Chinese
“correct, right; facing, opposed” in Chinese is對
The character 對 (duì) primarily means 'correct' or 'right', and it can also indicate a direction, signifying 'facing' or 'opposed' to something. It is commonly used in contexts like confirming correctness, expressing agreement, or indicating opposition in conversations.
When to use 對
Learners often confuse 對 with the similar-sounding 对 (duì), which can lead to tonal mistakes. It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in collocations like 對話 (duìhuà, dialogue) or 對立 (duìlì, opposition). Pay attention to the tone when using it, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
對 or something close to it
对 (duì) vs 正确 (zhèngquè) — use 对 for informal agreement or correctness in conversation, while 正确 is more formal and specific to correctness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 對 when they should use 不對 (bú duì, incorrect) to express disagreement. For instance, saying '你的回答對' (Your answer is right) when the answer is wrong should be corrected to '你的回答不對'.
Write 對
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 對 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 對
Compound Meaning
What does 对 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 對
You can use 對 to express agreement, for example, '我對你的看法很同意' (I agree with your opinion).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 對?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.