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Introducing Objects and Topics with 为, 向, and 关于 (HSK 3)
In Chinese, prepositions come before a noun phrase to show how that person or thing relates to the rest of the sentence. At Level 3 of the supplied HSK outline, 为 (wèi), 向 (xiàng), and 关于 (guānyú) are grouped under prepositions that introduce an object or target: 为 marks a beneficiary, 向 marks the recipient or direction of an interpersonal action, and 关于 introduces the topic or scope of discussion.
这家医院为老人们提供免费检查。
为 (wèi) introduces 老人们 (elderly people) as the beneficiaries of the action 提供 (provide).
× 老师关于明天的考试还没说。
For neutral written Mandarin, move the topic phrase before the subject: 关于明天的考试，老师还没说。 The revised example keeps the same teacher and exam.
Corrected example: 关于明天的考试，老师还没说。
Read the full explanation and examples
How Prepositions Introduce Targets in Chinese
In the Level 3 grammar syllabus of the supplied HSK outline, the prepositions 为 (wèi), 向 (xiàng), and 关于 (guānyú) are listed together under the function 引出对象 (yǐnchū duìxiàng, introducing a target, object, or topic). Note that the subscript numbers in the syllabus entry (为1 and 向1) distinguish these specific target-introducing uses from other functions taught separately, such as stating a reason or physical movement toward a compass direction.
For the uses taught here, a Chinese prepositional phrase normally comes before the verb phrase it modifies; a topic-setting phrase can come before the subject. Choose 为 for a beneficiary or concern, 向 for the recipient of a directed action, and 关于 for subject matter. Other Chinese prepositions can occur in different positions.
Using 为 (wèi) for Beneficiaries and Targets of Concern
When introducing an object or target, 为 is pronounced in the fourth tone (wèi). It marks the person, group, or thing that benefits from an action, or the target of an emotional state such as pride, worry, or happiness. It corresponds closely to English "for" or "on behalf of."
The phrase 为 + Target normally comes before the main predicate. Its position relative to an adverb depends on the intended emphasis: 很为你担心 and 为你很担心 are both possible. Common partners include 提供 (tígōng, provide), 准备 (zhǔnbèi, prepare), 担心 (dānxīn, worry), and 高兴 (gāoxìng, be happy).
这家医院为老人们提供免费检查。
为 (wèi) introduces 老人们 (elderly people) as the beneficiaries of the action 提供 (provide).
大家都很为你的健康担心。
为 (wèi) introduces the target of emotional concern before 担心 (worry).
Using 向 (xiàng) for the Recipient of a Directed Action
While 向 (xiàng) can indicate physical direction in other contexts, under the function of introducing a target (向1) it marks the person or organization toward whom a social, communicative, or learning action is aimed. It often translates as "to," "toward," or "from" depending on the English verb.
Learn the combinations with their verbs: 向…学习 (xiàng... xuéxí, learn from), 向…打听 (xiàng... dǎting, ask someone for information), 向…借 (xiàng... jiè, borrow from), and 向…介绍 (xiàng... jièshào, introduce to). English chooses different prepositions for these verbs; translating 向 with one fixed English word will not work.
如果你不认识路，可以向警察打听。
向 (xiàng) marks the police as the target toward whom the inquiry (打听) is directed.
在这件事上，我应该向你学习。
With 学习 (learn), 向 (xiàng) marks the person being emulated, even though English translates this as "from."
Using 关于 (guānyú) to Introduce a Topic or Scope
关于 (guānyú) means "about," "concerning," or "regarding." Instead of marking a beneficiary or an interpersonal recipient, it introduces a broader subject matter or range of things being discussed. Unlike 为 and 向, 关于 does not simply sit between the subject and the verb as a standard adverbial modifier.
Instead, 关于 is primarily used in two ways. First, it can form a modifier before a noun, in which case you must include the particle 的 (de) before the head noun.
我买了一本关于中国历史的书。
关于中国历史 (about Chinese history) modifies the noun 书 (book) and requires 的 (de).
Second, a 关于 phrase can be placed at the very beginning of a sentence (before the subject) to announce the topic, usually followed by a pause or comma.
关于明天的会议，我还有两个问题。
The 关于 phrase is placed at the start of the sentence before the subject 我 (I) to set the topic.
Key Contrasts and Common Learner Mistakes
- 为 (wèi) vs. 向 (xiàng): Use 为 when an action is performed for someone's benefit or on their behalf (such as providing a service or worrying about them). Use 向 when an action is directed at someone as a recipient of speech, inquiry, or emulation (such as asking directions or learning from a role model).
- 向 (xiàng) vs. 关于 (guānyú): 向 introduces the person you talk to or ask, whereas 关于 introduces the subject matter being discussed.
- Word order limit with 关于 (guānyú): Because learners get used to putting prepositional phrases like 为你 (for you) and 向他 (to him) right after the subject, they often try to put a 关于 phrase between the subject and the verb. In standard Mandarin, standalone 关于 topic phrases belong before the subject, not after it.
× 老师关于明天的考试还没说。
For neutral written Mandarin, move the topic phrase before the subject: 关于明天的考试，老师还没说。 The revised example keeps the same teacher and exam.
Corrected example: 关于明天的考试，老师还没说。
关于明天的考试，老师还没说。
The topic phrase comes before 老师. The meaning remains that the teacher has not yet discussed tomorrow’s exam.
Frequently asked questions
How is 为 pronounced when it introduces a beneficiary?
When 为 introduces a beneficiary or target of service and concern (meaning "for" or "on behalf of"), it is pronounced wèi in the fourth tone.
Do I always need 的 after a 关于 phrase?
You need 的 when the 关于 phrase directly modifies a noun (for example, 关于中国的电影, movies about China). You do not use 的 when the 关于 phrase stands at the beginning of a sentence before a comma to introduce the sentence topic.
Why does 向 sometimes translate as "from" in English?
In the combinations taught here, 向 marks the person addressed, asked, or learned from: 向他学习 and 向他打听. English uses “from” for learning and getting information. Learn the whole verb combination rather than assigning 向 a single English translation.
