# に対して（にたいして）: toward; against; in contrast with

> Learn how to use に対して（にたいして）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning toward; against; in contrast with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ni-taishite/

**に対して（にたいして）** means **toward; against; in contrast with**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **mark the target of an attitude/action or contrast two things**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral to formal** Japanese. If you want to **mark the target of an attitude/action or contrast two things**, **に対して（にたいして）** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does に対して（にたいして） mean?

Use **に対して（にたいして）** when you want to **mark the target of an attitude/action or contrast two things**.

Natural translations include:
- toward; against; in contrast with
- toward
- toward / against / in contrast with

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

## How to form に対して（にたいして）

Noun + に対して

Examples of the pattern:
- 質問に対して
- 親に対して
- 男性に対して女性は

## When is に対して（にたいして） used?

Use **に対して（にたいして）** in situations like:
- attitudes toward people
- responses to questions or actions
- contrasting two groups or facts

Tone and register:
- neutral to formal
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## に対して（にたいして） example sentences

- 彼は誰に対しても親切です。 — He is kind toward everyone.
- 質問に対して、丁寧に答えた。 — I answered the question carefully.
- その意見に対して反対する人も多い。 — Many people oppose that opinion.
- 兄に対して、弟はとても静かだ。 — In contrast to the older brother, the younger brother is very quiet.
- お客様に対して失礼な態度を取ってはいけない。 — You must not behave rudely toward customers.

## Nuance of に対して（にたいして）

The key nuance is **direction toward a target, often more formal than に**.

This matters because **に対して（にたいして）** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## に対して（にたいして） vs について

Both **に対して（にたいして）** and **[について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**に対して（にたいして）**:
- means **toward; against; in contrast with**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/)**:
- について marks a topic; に対して marks a target, response, opposition, or contrast

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 彼は誰に対しても親切です。 — He is kind toward everyone.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with に対して（にたいして）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it where a simple に is more natural
- Confusing topic について with target に対して
- Forgetting に対する before nouns

## Is に対して（にたいして） on the JLPT?

Yes. **に対して（にたいして）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for に対して（にたいして）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say someone is kind to everyone.
- Respond to a question using に対して.
- Contrast an older brother and younger brother.

## Learning path for に対して（にたいして）

To learn **に対して（にたいして）** efficiently, review basic particles like について and に, then focus on the relationship each formal marker creates.

1. First, make sure you can form **に対して（にたいして）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/), [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write reading-style sentences about society, research, policy, opinions, and reports; then check whether replacing **に対して（にたいして）** with [に関する / に関して](/blog/n3-ni-kan-suru/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [に関する / に関して](/blog/n3-ni-kan-suru/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [において / における](/blog/n3-ni-oite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.

## Learn に対して（にたいして） with Hane

If you want to review **に対して（にたいして）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)