![(Alt Text: Joy explaining a topic [Ni tsuite] vs. Joy acting towards a person [Ni taishite])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-15-2026-03_07_18-PM.png)
(Joy explaining a topic [Ni tsuite] vs. Joy acting towards a person [Ni taishite])
“I want to talk about you.” (Anata ni tsuite)
“I am kind to you.” (Anata ni taishite)
Both point to a noun, but the function is different. 〜について (Ni tsuite) sets the Topic. 〜に対して (Ni taishite) sets the Target of an emotion or action. Let’s master this N3 grammar with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is preparing for a customer service role.
「私は、この商品（しょうひん）について 説明します。」
「お客様（きゃくさま）に対して 丁寧に話します。」
(Ken, this is interview practice. “I will explain ‘about’ this product.” “I will speak politely ‘towards’ the customer.”)
「商品」はテーマなので「について」。
「お客様」は対象（ターゲット）なので「に対して」ですね。
(Perfect! The product is the “Theme,” so “Ni tsuite.” The customer is the “Target,” so “Ni taishite.”)
💡 Explanation
Topic vs. Target
1. 〜について (Ni tsuite) = About / Regarding
Focus: Topic / Content
Used when you talk, think, write, or research ABOUT a subject.
- 日本の文化（ぶんか）について 話す。
(Talk about Japanese culture.) - その件（けん）について 考える。
(Think about that matter.)
2. 〜に対して (Ni taishite) = Towards / Against
Focus: Target / Direction
Used when an action or emotion is directed AT someone or something. It can also mean “In contrast to”.
- 上司（じょうし）に対して 敬語（けいご）を使う。
(Use honorifics towards the boss.) - 彼（かれ）の意見（いけん）に対して 反対（はんたい）する。
(Oppose / Be against his opinion.)
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Joy is starting a speech about Japan)
❌ Wrong: 今日は、日本 に対して 話します。
(Translation: “Today, I will speak AGAINST Japan / AT Japan.” This sounds like you are debating against Japan or scolding the country!)
✅ Right: 今日は、日本 について 話します。
(Translation: “Today, I will speak ABOUT Japan.” This is the correct way to introduce a topic.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
