The use of 给，对，and 向

[agimcomas]

Hello everybody,

The prepositions 给(gei3), 对（duì) and 向 (xiàng) all have a similar meaning, i.e. they are similar to the English use of the word "to".

My question is, when to use which? I especially have trouble finding the difference between 对 and 向.

Thank you,

[renzhe]

In some ways, they have similar meanings.

给 is often used if the person is the recipient of something. It can mean to give, or to do something for somebody else. It's used for people, and the other person usually receives something. 给你做饭 = cook for you, 给你打电话 = call you. You receive either food or a phone call.

向 is often used for direction. I think of it as "towards".

对 to me implies some kind of communication. 对你说话 = talk to you, 对你好 = good towards you.

Probably not the most correct or complete explanation, but it might help.

[889]

A couple of related threads:

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/25-beijing-language-cultural-university232

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/21637-usage-of-%e8%b7%9f

[agimcomas]

Thanks for the previous replies.

I'd like to know, for example, if there is a list of common verbs that use a particular preposition.

[leeyah]

Not a list of verbs, but some commonly connotated verbs:

向（时间，处所, 动作的方向）= (moving) towards, in the direction of，a tendency towards...：

走>> 向前走，走向胜利，向阳走

行>> 相向而行 coming towards each other

跑>> 他向那儿跑了?

(Ehm, I was going to say with verbs of motion,, but then 看 & 发展 aren't and so... )

看>> 向上看

发展>>向 X 发展

and in phrases like:

向那儿 [as a 'solo' question or + verb(...)? whereto(...)?

向老师请教

向他学习 learn from him

向她提问题 ask her

对 （对象， 范围）= 面对着 X, referring to the object standing in front of you:

说

讲

回答

问 (对 X 问问题)

提出

also in phrases like

对 X 保持尊重/表达歧视

对 X 信任/怀疑

对 X 作 + noun

对着 X 做: 对着镜子理理发

给 as a preposition is usually used in the meaning of let me, allow me ...or do .. for me:

meaning 让:给我看

meaning 为: 给我买东西, 他给我们当翻译

& in phrases like: 医生给他看病

But to make things (just a little bit ) more complicated, in some cases it is interchangeable with 向:

meaning 向: 孩子们给老师行礼 or to make it lexically more Chinese : 小朋友们给老师行礼

[agimcomas]

Thanks, leeya, for the extensive answer.

I notice that 向 and 对 are interchangeable sometimes. This is very confusing. But I guess it is clearer now. Thanks!

[renzhe]

I'd say that 对 is more common with people. Even all the examples leeyah gave had to do with people communicating.

向 can be used with people, but it's more often used for directions, objects, etc.

At least that's my feeling.

[leeyah]

Renzhe's 'feeling' makes sense in some aspects, yes.

Agimcomas, you may also want to try 句库 for each of these, I jukuu-ed 向 对 给 for you

[agimcomas]

Thanks, I didn't know about Jukuu.

[sithu]

can we use 给 for the sentences where the subject is not animated ?

[Michaelyus]

can we use 给 for the sentences where the subject is not animated ?

Yes. E.g. 给中国带来某种利益, where 给 is the usual coverb employed.