GrammarJLPT N5
〜にたいする
→ regarding
Regarding / Toward (Modifying a Noun)
JLPT N5Compound particleFormal
〜に対する is a compound particle used to express 'regarding,' 'toward,' or 'against' something or someone, specifically when modifying a noun that follows. It is the pre-nominal (noun-modifying) form of 〜に対して, which modifies verbs and clauses. Because 〜に対する directly precedes and modifies a noun, it functions like an adjective, connecting a target or object of an attitude, feeling, action, or policy to the noun it describes. For example, where 〜について broadly means 'about' a topic, 〜に対する carries a stronger nuance of directionality — the feeling, action, or stance is specifically directed at the target. It is commonly found in formal writing, news, and academic contexts, though it also appears in everyday speech when expressing attitudes or responses toward someone or something. Compared to 〜に関する, which neutrally means 'related to' or 'concerning,' 〜に対する implies a more direct, face-to-face relationship between the subject and its target.
Functions
#1 Expressing an attitude or feeling directed toward someone/something
Structure
Noun + に対する + Noun (feeling/attitude)
先生に対する感謝の気持ちを忘れないでください。
Here に対する connects the target 先生 (teacher) to the noun 感謝の気持ち (feelings of gratitude), showing that the gratitude is specifically directed at the teacher. This is one of the most common uses of に対する: expressing that a feeling, attitude, or emotion is aimed toward a particular person or thing. The grammar point sits between the target and the noun it modifies, functioning like an adjective phrase.Please don't forget your feelings of gratitude toward your teacher.
Structures
- Noun
- Noun + に対する + Noun
Common mistakes
A very common mistake is confusing に対する with に対して. Remember that に対する must be followed by a noun because it modifies that noun directly, while に対して modifies a verb or an entire clause. For example, saying 「先生に対する感謝する」 is incorrect; it should be either 「先生に対する感謝」 (modifying a noun) or 「先生に対して感謝する」 (modifying a verb). Another frequent error is using に対する interchangeably with 〜についての in all situations. While both can translate as 'regarding,' に対する implies directionality — something aimed at or facing a target — whereas 〜についての is more neutral and simply means 'about.' Learners also sometimes mistakenly place a verb or adjective after に対する instead of a noun; in such cases, に対して should be used instead.
Related
〜について〜に対して〜に関する〜への〜向けの