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对 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
对duìrightHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìcorrectHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìcoupleHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìpairHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìtowardsHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìatHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìforHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto faceHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìoppositeHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto treat (sb a certain way)HSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto match togetherHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto adjustHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto fitHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto suitHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto answerHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìto replyHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìclassifier: coupleHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
对duìcorrect, right; facing, opposedHSK 1, p, 5 strokes, radical 寸, rank #36, Easy
duì(dui4) T4
  1. 1right
  2. 2correct
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

对(對)duì(dui4)

对 (duì) primarily means 'right' or 'correct,' and is often used to express agreement or accuracy. It can also indicate direction (towards) or describe a relationship between items, such as 'pair' or 'couple.' The character is versatile and appears in various contexts, from casual conversation to formal discussions.

Strokes5Radical寸Frequency#36DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of pairs is significant, often reflected in traditions like weddings where couples are celebrated. The use of 对 can symbolize harmony and balance in relationships, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding.

Memory Tip

Imagine two people standing facing each other, symbolizing a 'pair' (对) and the concept of being 'correct' when they align perfectly. The character 对 consists of the components '刀' (knife) and '口' (mouth), suggesting a dialogue or interaction that leads to agreement.

Meanings of 对

duì(dui4)
1right
2correct
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 对

对Simplified
對Traditional
5Strokes
寸Radical
形容词xíngróngcíapqv (adj.)Part of Speech
#36Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL1HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 对

JasonAmy

Podcast: 对

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 对

Quick Contrast

对 (duì) vs 正确 (zhèngquè) — use 对 for agreement or correctness in casual contexts, while 正确 is more formal and specific to correctness.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 对 with similar-sounding words. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but in formal situations, ensure that you use it correctly to indicate agreement or direction. Common collocations include 对不起 (duìbùqǐ - sorry) and 对待 (duìdài - to treat).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 2 word, 对 connects well with other basic verbs and adjectives that describe relationships and correctness. Students should practice using it in sentences to express opinions or describe pairs, focusing on its various meanings in context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 对 by omitting the necessary context, such as saying '我对' without completing the thought. Instead, use '我对这个问题有意见' (I have an opinion on this issue) for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 对

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Etymology of 对

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 對. Origin unclear. Appears to be a hand using some sort of tool, possibly a rake or a hoe.

Memory Hint

A pair 又 of hands 寸

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 对

Simplified form of 對. Origin unclear. Appears to be a hand using some sort of tool, possibly a rake or a hoe.

  1. 1The giveawayA pair 又 of hands 寸
  2. 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 对? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 对?

Decomposition of 对

IDS Structure⿰又寸
对Full Character
=
又you4
left
寸cun4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 对?

How to say right in Chinese

“right” in Chinese is对duì

对 (duì) primarily means 'right' or 'correct,' and is often used to express agreement or accuracy. It can also indicate direction (towards) or describe a relationship between items, such as 'pair' or 'couple.' The character is versatile and appears in various contexts, from casual conversation to formal discussions.

When to use 对

Be careful not to confuse 对 with similar-sounding words. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but in formal situations, ensure that you use it correctly to indicate agreement or direction. Common collocations include 对不起 (duìbùqǐ - sorry) and 对待 (duìdài - to treat).

对 or something close to it

对 (duì) vs 正确 (zhèngquè) — use 对 for agreement or correctness in casual contexts, while 正确 is more formal and specific to correctness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 对 by omitting the necessary context, such as saying '我对' without completing the thought. Instead, use '我对这个问题有意见' (I have an opinion on this issue) for clarity.

Write 对

对

Practice writing 对 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 对

对 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 18 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

她____我笑了。

She smiled at me.

Common Confusions with 对

对vs队
duì

Same pronunciation but different meaning.

对 indicates direction or relation, while 为 indicates purpose or acts.

1

我为你做的事情。

对 indicates direction or relation, while 为 indicates purpose or acts.

💡Think of 对 as facing towards, while 为 is about doing for.
Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "right"?

or

Usage Notes for 对

Using 对 in ExpressionsGrammar Tip

对 can be used to indicate an action directed towards a person or object.

1

我对你很感兴趣。

I am very interested in you.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

我____你很感兴趣。

I am very interested in you.

Example Sentences for 对 (22)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果我对此不做点儿什么，就是不负责任。

rú guǒ wǒ duì cǐ bù zuò diǎn ér shí mó， ， jiù shì bù fù zé。

I would be remiss if I did not do some-thing about it.
2
我向他保证，我绝对没打算让他走人。

wǒ xiàng tā bǎo zhèng， ， wǒ jué duì méi dǎ suàn ràng tā zǒu。

I've assured him I have no plans to let him go.
3
对于现况的不满，不能只是抱怨，要有作出改变。

duì yú xiàn kuàng de bù mǎn， ， bù néng zhī shì bào， yuàn ， yào yǒu zuò chū。

If you're not satisfied with the life you're living, don't just complain. Do something about it.
4
面对遭征服的悲惨命运，他们保持了乐观的态度。

miàn duì zāo zhēng fú de bēi cǎn mìng yùn， ， tā mén bǎo chí le lè guān de tài。

They have maintained their optimism in the face of desolating subjugation.
5
他对于法国、德国和荷兰的文学了如指掌。

tā duì yú fǎ guó、 、 dé guó hé hé lán de wén xué le rú zhǐ。

He was well acquainted with the literature of France, Germany and Holland.
6
整体而言，当今的老年人依然相对贫困。

zhěng tǐ ér yán， ， dāng jīn de lǎo nián rén yī rán xiāng duì pín。

As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
7
对于这个决定的反应非常不一致。

duì yú zhè gè jué dìng de fǎn yīng fēi cháng bù yī zhì。

There has been a very mixed reaction to the decision.
8
针对他们各人不同的需要挑选柔软、软硬适中或者坚硬的床垫。

zhēn duì tā mén gè rén bù tóng de xū yào tiāo xuǎn róu ruǎn、 、 ruǎn yìng shì zhōng huò zhě jiān yìng de chuáng。

Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
9
“对此你期望我怎么办？”她质问道。

“ “ duì cǐ nǐ qī wàng wǒ zěn mó？” bàn ？” tā zhì。

"What did you expect me to do about it?" she demanded.
10
学校对你的孩子负有法律上的安全责任。

xué xiào duì nǐ de hái zǐ fù yǒu fǎ lǜ shàng de ān quán zé rèn。

The school is legally responsible for your child's safety.
11
这个答案是对的。

Zhège dá'àn shì duì de.

This answer is right.
12
你说得对。

Nǐ shuō de duì.

You are right.
13
他做对了。

Tā zuò duì le.

He did it right.
14
我觉得你是对的。

Wǒ juéde nǐ shì duì de.

I think you are right.
15
这道题的答案是对的。

Zhè dào tí de dá'àn shì duì de.

The answer to this question is right.
16
你选的颜色对不对？

Nǐ xuǎn de yánsè duì bù duì?

Is the color you chose right?
17
这个答案是对的。

Zhège dá'àn shì duì de.

This answer is right.
18
你说得对。

Nǐ shuō de duì.

You are right.
19
他做对了。

Tā zuò duì le.

He did it right.
20
我觉得你是对的。

Wǒ juéde nǐ shì duì de.

I think you are right.
21
这道题的答案是对的。

Zhè dào tí de dá'àn shì duì de.

The answer to this question is right.
22
你选的颜色对不对？

Nǐ xuǎn de yánsè duì bù duì?

Is the color you chose right?

Cultural Notes for 对

💡Did you know?

The character 对 (duì) represents a pair or couple. In ancient Chinese culture, pairs often symbolize harmony and balance, reflecting the importance of relationships in society.

Word Family of 对

Compounds2
树shu4tree
怼dui4hatred, resentment; to dislike, to hate
Words Containing This Character20
对duìright對
对不起duìbuqǐunworthy對不起
对于duìyúregarding對於
绝对juéduìabsolute絕對
面对miànduìto confront面對
对方duìfāngcounterpart對方
反对fǎnduìto oppose反對
对手duìshǒuopponent對手
针对zhēnduìto target針對
相对xiāngduìrelatively相對
对象duìxiàngtarget對象
派对party (loanword)派對
对待duìdàito treat對待
不对bùduìincorrect不對
对付duìfuto handle對付
对外duìwàiexternal對外
对话duìhuàdialogue對話
对照duìzhàoto contrast對照
对面duìmiàn(sitting) opposite對面
对抗duìkàngto withstand對抗
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 树 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 对

对 (duì) often conveys a sense of correctness or direction towards something, while 向 (xiàng) specifically means 'towards' and is used to indicate a physical direction. For example, '对他说' (duì tā shuō) means 'speak to him' whereas '向他走' (xiàng tā zǒu) means 'walk towards him.'

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