に対して・
に対して marks the person, group, thing, or issue toward which an action, attitude, feeling, policy, or response is directed. Before a following noun, use に対する.
The key idea: a directed target
The noun before に対して is not merely the subject being discussed. It is the target at which the following action, reaction, attitude, or policy is aimed. This makes the construction particularly useful for abstract relationships such as a position toward an issue or criticism directed at an organization.
Core forms in context
市民団体はその企業に対して公開質問状を送った。
The citizens' group sent an open letter of inquiry to the company.
AnalyzeThe company is the organization toward which the action is directed.
この問題に対する政府の姿勢が問われている。
The government's stance toward this issue is being questioned.
Analyzeに対する directly modifies the following noun meaning “stance.”
野党は新しい税制に対しては強く反対している。
The opposition is strongly opposed to the new tax system in particular.
AnalyzeThe added topic marker highlights this policy as a contrasted target.
Do not confuse a target with a contrast
After a noun, に対して can mark the target of an action or attitude. After a clause ending in の, the same-looking sequence normally contrasts two facts instead.
兄は朝型なのに対して、弟は夜型だ。
My older brother is a morning person, whereas my younger brother is a night person.
AnalyzeThis is the neighboring contrast pattern, not the directed-target use taught on this page.
Directed target versus ordinary receiver
For a simple concrete transfer, the basic receiver particle is normally enough. Use に対して when you want to make directed treatment, policy, judgment, or stance explicit, especially with an abstract relationship.
私は友人に本を貸した。
I lent a book to a friend.
AnalyzeThis is an ordinary concrete receiver, so the basic particle is natural.
More examples
先生はどの学生に対しても公平に接する。
The teacher treats every student fairly.
Analyze会社は苦情に対してすぐに対応した。
The company responded to the complaint immediately.
Analyzeご支援に対して心より感謝申し上げます。
We sincerely thank you for your support.
Analyze子どもに対する暴力は決して許されない。
Violence against children must never be tolerated.
Analyzeこの提案に対しては、賛成意見も反対意見も出た。
Both supporting and opposing views were expressed regarding this proposal.
Analyze委員会は大学に対して調査結果の公表を求めた。
The committee asked the university to publish the investigation results.
Analyze