HSK 5
至于
zhìyú
as for
Structure
Previous Topic + ， + 至于 + New Topic + Statement
How it works
The particle '至于' is used to introduce a new topic related to what has just been mentioned, similar to 'as for' or 'when it comes to' in English. It shifts the focus to a specific aspect of the conversation. Additionally, it can be used in a negative sense to mean 'to go so far as to' or 'to the extent of,' often appearing in the pattern '不至于' (not to that extent).
Examples
你可以留在这里，至于他，得跟我走。
Nǐ kěyǐ liú zài zhèlǐ, zhìyú tā, děi gēn wǒ zǒu.
You can stay here; as for him, he must come with me.
我只知道他去旅游了，至于具体的地点我也没问。
Wǒ zhǐ zhīdào tā qù lǚyóu le, zhìyú jùtǐ de dìdiǎn wǒ yě méi wèn.
I only know he went traveling; as for the specific location, I didn't ask.
虽然我们有意见分歧，但还不至于绝交。
Suīrán wǒmen yǒu yìjiàn fēnqí, dàn hái bù zhìyú juéjiāo.
Although we have differences of opinion, it hasn't gone so far as to end the friendship.
Common mistakes
Do not use '至于' to start a brand new conversation; it must follow a related piece of information to act as a transition.
Tip
Think of '至于' as a mental drawer organizer—you've finished talking about one item and are now opening a new section within the same cabinet.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 至于 in real Chinese
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