対する

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 対する(たいする) expresses a relation directed toward a target and often appears as に対する or に対して.
• Basic usage: It describes an answer to a question or an attitude toward another person.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Modifying a noun
  • In 質問に対する答え, に対する modifies the following noun 答え, expressing the relation between question and answer.
• Linking the target of an action
  • In 相手に対して話す, に対して marks the person toward whom the act of speaking is directed.