對 meaning and stroke order
Correct, right; facing, opposed
How to write 對, stroke by stroke
14 strokes in order. Each box adds the next stroke in red. Write top to bottom and left to right, and finish enclosing strokes last.
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Meaning of 對
Definitions from CC-CEDICT, grouped by pronunciation.
- right; correct
- towards; at; for
- concerning; regarding
- to treat (sb a certain way)
- to face
- (bound form) opposite; facing; matching
How 對 is built
Ideographic (compound meaning) character. A hand 寸 holding a lit 业 candelabrum 羊.
Radical: 寸 (inch), shared by 18 characters on this site.
How to remember 對
On the left, a candelabrum (业 on top of 羊) holds lit candles, and on the right a hand 寸 holds it up. Picture someone holding a lamp so it faces you directly, and you can see what is right.
對 (duì) is the traditional form of 对 and is used to say something is correct, to mean facing or opposite, and as a preposition meaning toward or regarding. It also appears in many common words like 對不起 (duìbuqǐ, sorry) and 反對 (fǎnduì, to oppose). Example: 他對我很好。(Tā duì wǒ hěn hǎo.) He treats me very well.
Common mistake: Learners often write the left side as just 业 and forget the 羊-like part underneath, or they mix up the right side 寸 with 才. Also note that in 對不起 (duìbuqǐ) the 不 is said with a neutral tone, not bù.
Common words with 對
Ordered by HSK level, then by how often they appear in everyday Chinese.
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 對不起 | duìbuqǐ | I'm sorry; excuse me; I beg your pardon; to let (sb) down; to disappoint | HSK 1 |
| 不對 | bùduì | incorrect; wrong | HSK 1 |
| 對話 | duìhuà | to talk (with sb); dialogue; conversation | HSK 2 |
| 對面 | duìmiàn | opposite; across (the street etc); directly in front of one; up ahead | HSK 2 |
| 絕對 | juéduì | absolute; unconditional | HSK 3 |
| 面對 | miànduì | to face; to confront | HSK 3 |
| 反對 | fǎnduì | to oppose; to be against; to object to | HSK 3 |
| 對方 | duìfāng | the other person; the other side; the other party | HSK 3 |
| 對待 | duìdài | to treat; treatment | HSK 3 |
| 對手 | duìshǒu | opponent; rival | HSK 3 |
| 對象 | duìxiàng | target; object; partner; boyfriend; girlfriend | HSK 3 |
| 對於 | duìyú | regarding; as far as (sth) is concerned; with regard to | HSK 4 |
| 對付 | duìfu | to handle; to deal with; to tackle; to get by with; to make do | HSK 4 |
| 針對 | zhēnduì | to target; to focus on; to be aimed at or against; in response to | HSK 4 |
Questions about 對
How many strokes are in 對?
對 is written with 14 strokes. The diagrams on this page number every stroke in the order it is written, with the new stroke shown in red.
What does 對 mean?
對 (duì) means correct, right; facing, opposed. A common word with it is 对不起 (duìbuqǐ), meaning "I'm sorry; excuse me; I beg your pardon; to let (sb) down; to disappoint".
How do you pronounce 對?
對 is pronounced duì, in the fourth tone (falling).
What is the radical of 對?
The radical of 對 is 寸, which carries the idea of "inch". Dictionaries list 對 under this radical.
What is the simplified form of 對?
對 is a traditional character. Its simplified form is 对, used in mainland China and Singapore.
How do you say 'right' or 'correct' in Chinese as a reply?
You can say 對 (duì) or 對的 (duì de) to agree that something is correct. To say it is wrong, use 不對 (bùduì).
What is the difference between 對 (duì) and 給 (gěi) when talking about people?
對 marks the person an attitude or action is directed at, as in 對他說 (duì tā shuō, say to him) or 對我很好 (treat me well). 給 marks the person who receives something, as in 給他一本書 (give him a book).