对 (duì)

A versatile word with two key uses. As an adjective, it means correct or right. As a preposition, it means towards, to, or regarding. Both uses are common at the HSK 1 level and appear in everyday conversation.

Meanings

[adjective] Correct, right. The opposite of 错 (cuò).
[preposition] Towards, to, directed at, regarding.

Example Sentences

你说得对，这道题的答案是五。 Nǐ shuō de duì, zhè dào tí de dá'àn shì wǔ. You are right, the answer to this question is five.

这个字写对了吗？ Zhège zì xiě duì le ma? Was this character written correctly?

他对我很好。 Tā duì wǒ hěn hǎo. He treats me very well. (He is very good towards me.)

你对这件事怎么看？ Nǐ duì zhè jiàn shì zěnme kàn? What do you think about this matter?

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
对了 (duì le)	that's right, correct
说得对 (shuō de duì)	said correctly, you're right
对不对 (duì bu duì)	is it correct or not?
对…来说 (duì...lái shuō)	as for, from the perspective of
对不起 (duìbuqǐ)	sorry (lit. cannot face someone)
正确 vs 对 (zhèngquè vs duì)	formal vs. everyday word for "correct"

Memory Hook

When something is 对, it points in exactly the right direction. When it is a preposition, it still points, but at a person or thing.