HSKReadyGet the appHSK 6 · Word classes › Prepositions › Introducing a target
Using 至于 (zhìyú) to Introduce a New Topic or Object in Chinese
In advanced Mandarin, the preposition 至于 (zhìyú) introduces a secondary object, person, or question that branches off from an already established context, comparable to 'as for' or 'when it comes to' in English.
会议的时间已经定下来了，至于地点，我们明天再商量。
Correct: 至于 shifts from the settled topic (time) to a related secondary noun (location).
Read the full explanation and examples
Core Function: Shifting to a Related Object
The outline places 至于 under prepositions introducing an object of discussion. Here “object” means the topic, not a direct recipient of an action. 至于 turns to another item, person or question in the discussion. Calling it the next topic describes the order of presentation; it need not be less important or unresolved.
“As for” is a useful English starting point. 至于 normally relies on a topic relationship supplied by the text, a previous conversation or shared context. It can begin a new sentence; there need not be a first clause printed in the same sentence. The following comment may contrast with, supplement or defer another point.
Sentence Structures and Grammatical Patterns
Place 至于 before the item being taken up next. A comma or pause often separates that topic from the following comment. The context shown in the formulas can also be supplied by the surrounding text or conversation.
In the first pattern, 至于 is followed by a noun phrase or pronoun that contrasts with or complements an element in the first clause. For instance, if the first clause settles the time of an event, 至于 can introduce the location as the next item to address.
会议的时间已经定下来了，至于地点，我们明天再商量。
Correct: 至于 shifts from the settled topic (time) to a related secondary noun (location).
我问过的几位同事都同意这个方案，至于他，我还没来得及问。
至于 shifts from the colleagues already asked to a person not yet asked. The first clause is limited to the known opinions, so it does not claim that his opinion is known.
In the second pattern, 至于 introduces a verb phrase or an embedded question (using question words like 怎么, 谁, 什么时候, or an A-not-A structure). This is extremely common when a general decision has been made, but the specific method or outcome remains undecided.
这笔钱肯定要花，至于怎么花，还得听听大家的意见。
Correct: 至于 introduces an embedded question clause (怎么花) that follows up on the initial premise.
Contrast: 至于 vs. 关于
Both 至于 and 关于 can relate to a topic, but they guide the discussion differently. Compare how each phrase connects to the surrounding text rather than choosing only from the English word “about.”
- Discourse: 关于 can neutrally introduce a subject. 至于 presents an item as a turn to another point; that connection may be explicit earlier in the text or understood from a shared discussion.
- Relationship between topics: 关于 defines the overarching scope or subject matter of what follows. 至于 switches from an already mentioned sub-topic to another related sub-topic.
- Noun modification: 关于历史的书 means a book about history. Topic-shifting 至于 does not replace 关于 inside that noun modifier; instead it introduces a topic for a following comment, as in 至于这本书，我还没看完. The comment can be concise or depend on context.
关于公司的未来发展，董事长今天做了详细的报告。
Correct: 关于 introduces the primary subject matter at the very start of an independent statement.
Common Learner Mistakes and Scope Limits
Check why you are using a topic-shifting expression. In an opening that simply introduces what a new book discusses, 关于环境保护 is a neutral choice. 至于环境保护 fits when the reader can understand the move from another point, including one supplied by shared context. The issue is the connection in the discussion, not a ban on the written sentence beginning with 至于.
至于环境保护，这本新书提出了很多好建议。
This sentence fits a shift from another topic to environmental protection. If introducing the book’s subject with no such connection intended, use 关于 as in the next example. This is a discourse-context comparison.
关于环境保护，这本新书提出了很多好建议。
关于 introduces environmental protection as the subject matter without presenting it as a shift from another point. The book and its suggestions remain the same.
Frequently asked questions
Can 至于 ever appear at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes. 至于 can begin a sentence when the topic relationship is clear from earlier text, a previous conversation or shared context. If opening a completely new subject without a topic shift, 关于 may express the intended introduction more neutrally.
Why are question words like 怎么 or 谁 so common after 至于?
Because 至于 often shifts from a known fact in the first clause to an unresolved or secondary aspect in the second clause, speakers naturally use embedded questions after 至于 to specify what remains unknown or open for discussion.
How is 至于 categorized in the HSK outline?
In the supplied HSK 3.0 syllabus outline (edition 2025-11, implementation label 2026-07), 至于 as a preposition that introduces an object (引出对象) is listed at Level 6. Note that outline levels define reference teaching scope rather than guaranteeing the exact test version administered at a specific test center.
