towards, against, in contrast to

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates direction of action, contrast, or opposition.

[Noun] + に対して

彼は私に対していつも優しい。

Kare wa watashi ni taishite itsumo yasashii.

He is always kind towards me.

日本の人口は1億に対して、面積は小さい。

Nihon no jinkou wa ichioku ni taishite, menseki wa chiisai.

In contrast to Japan's population of 100 million, the area is small.

Multiple meanings depending on context.

～に反して

contrary to, against

～に関して

regarding, concerning, about

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Very versatile pattern, practice all uses.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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