How to use 对于；至于
对于 + object，comment; 至于 + shifted topic，comment; 不至于 + degree
对于 introduces the person, thing, or issue that a comment concerns. 至于 often moves the discussion to a further topic or aspect, roughly as for. That transition works best when a previous point is already available, even if supplied by the conversation. The difference concerns how the information is organized rather than a simple dictionary contrast between regarding and concerning.
A 对于 phrase can come before or after the subject in suitable sentences. Topic-shifting 至于 normally introduces its topic at the front of the new comment. 至于 also has a degree-related use, especially in questions about overreaction and in 不至于. Keep that meaning separate: it asks whether a situation reaches a certain extent, rather than merely changing the topic.
Examples with pinyin and English
对于电脑，我什么都不懂。
With regards to computers, I don't understand anything.
我对于电脑什么都不懂。
I don't understand anything about computers.
对于这种人，就不该跟他们讲道理。
With this kind of person, you shouldn't try to reason with them.
我们要开始这个项目了， 至于什么时候开始，还没定。
We're going to start this project, but as for when to start, we still haven't decided.
What to remember
- Use 对于 for the object a comment concerns.
- Use 至于 to move to a related topic or aspect.
- Recognize degree-related 不至于 as a separate use.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.