Preposition: 至于 (As For)
至于
Use 至于 to shift topics smoothly, introducing a new but related aspect of a discussion
Use 至于 at the beginning of a new clause to shift the topic to a related but different aspect. It signals "as for B…" after A has already been discussed.
至于 works as a topic-shifting device. You first establish one point (A), then use 至于 to pivot to another related point (B). It is commonly used in discussions, meetings, essays, and news reports to organize information logically. 至于 can also appear in the pattern 至于说 (as for saying / as for the question of).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 至于 (As For) (至于)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 至于 pattern
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Understanding 至于
至于 is one of the most useful discourse markers in Chinese. It works like "as for" or "as to" in English — you finish discussing one topic and then smoothly transition to a related one. Imagine you are planning a trip and say: 旅行的时间已经定了，至于费用问题，还需要再讨论 (The travel dates are set; as for the cost, we still need to discuss). The speaker has neatly organized two related issues: time (settled) and money (still open). 至于 signals to the listener: "We are done with that topic, now let me address this one." It is enormously common in meetings, news reports, academic discussions, and everyday conversation when organizing complex information. Unlike 关于 (which introduces a topic at the start), 至于 always comes after something has already been said — it is a pivot, not an introduction.
Key Points
- 至于 (zhìyú) = "as for / as to / regarding" — shifts to a new related topic.
- Always comes after the first topic has been addressed — it is a transition, not an opener.
- Different from 关于: 关于 introduces a topic from scratch; 至于 pivots from one topic to another.
- Very common in meetings and discussions for organizing multiple issues.
- Can be followed by a question: 至于怎么做，我们再商量 (As for how to do it, let us discuss further).
- 至于 can also mean "to the extent of" in some contexts: 不至于那么严重 (It would not go so far as to be that serious).
- Tone is neutral and organized — perfect for structured arguments and explanations.
Chinese communication values logical organization and smooth transitions between topics. 至于 is a key tool for this purpose. In Chinese meetings and formal discussions, speakers who use 至于 effectively are seen as clear thinkers who can organize complex information — a highly valued skill in both academic and professional settings.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
旅行的时间已经定了，至于费用问题，还需要再讨论。
The travel dates are set; as for the costs, we still need to discuss them.
学校决定下个月举行运动会，至于具体时间，请等学校通知。
The school has decided to hold a sports event next month; as for the exact date, please wait for the school's notice.
超市将于节日期间举行优惠活动，至于详细情况，可上网查看。
The supermarket will hold promotional events during the holiday; as for details, you can check online.
我同意你的方案，至于具体怎么执行，我们再商量。
I agree with your plan; as for exactly how to implement it, let us discuss further.
他已经道歉了，至于你原不原谅他，那是你的事。
He has already apologized; as for whether you forgive him, that is your business.
新产品的设计已经完成，至于价格和上市时间，正在研究中。
The new product design is complete; as for pricing and launch date, they are still being studied.
Common Mistakes
至于 is a topic SHIFT — it comes after something else has been discussed. To introduce a brand new topic from scratch, use 关于.
不至于 means "would not go so far as to." For shifting to a new topic about the plan, put 至于 at the beginning of the clause.
至于 must be followed directly by its topic — do not put a comma or pause between 至于 and the topic noun.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 至于 as a "topic pivot" — it always comes after you have already said something about topic A, then pivots to topic B.
A great test: if you can replace it with "now, as for…" in English, then 至于 is correct. If you mean "about" at the start, use 关于.
In meetings, 至于 helps you organize multiple agenda items: 第一个问题解决了，至于第二个问题…… (The first issue is resolved; as for the second…)
The phrase 不至于 (would not go so far as to) is very common: 不至于那么严重 (It is not that serious), 不至于吧？(It would not come to that, right?).
Homework
Write a paragraph about planning an event (a party, a trip, or a school activity). First state what has been decided, then use 至于 at least three times to transition to aspects that are still undecided. Also write two sentences using 不至于.