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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min read

Prepositions 为, 向 and 关于

Say who you do something for with 为, who or where an action is aimed at with 向, and what something is about with 关于.

Pattern

subject + 为/向 + person or place + verb; 关于 + topic，…; 关于 + topic + 的 + noun

为 is “for someone”, 向 is “toward someone or somewhere”, and 关于 is “about something”.

妈妈为我做了一个蛋糕。

When to use Prepositions 为, 向 and 关于

为 and 向 each make a phrase with a person or place and stand before the verb, after the subject. 为 + person means “for someone, for their benefit”: 妈妈为我做了蛋糕. It also goes with feelings, as in 我为你高兴 “I’m happy for you”. 向 + place means “toward”: 向前走; 向 + person marks the person an action is aimed at, such as asking, borrowing or learning from them: 向老师借书.

你考上大学了，我真为你高兴！

You got into university; I’m so happy for you!

一直向前走，就能看到银行。

Go straight ahead and you’ll see the bank.

我向老师借了一本书。

I borrowed a book from the teacher.

我想看一本关于中国历史的书。

I want to read a book about Chinese history.

Common traps

  • Put a 关于 phrase at the start of the sentence: 关于这个问题，我们明天再谈, not 我们关于这个问题明天再谈.
  • For learning or borrowing from a person, use 向: 向朋友借钱, not 往朋友借钱. 往 is for directions and places.
  • Say 他对我很好, not 他关于我很好: 关于 is for topics, 对 is for the target of an attitude.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

如何申请的问题，请看网站

For questions about how to apply, see the website. Modify the noun "questions"
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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