why does 対する sometimes translate to `for` and sometimes `towards`


We can say `passion for sports` スポーツに対する情熱 or `a mother's love for her
children`, but for some reason we can't replace `for` with `towards`.

By the same token, `attitude towards someone` 誰かに対する態度, `behavior towards
someone`, we can't switch `towards` with `for`.

The sentence 誰かに対する考え can't be translated using towards nor for. `thoughts on
someone`, is the most natural, yet for some reason its completely natural to
use 対する

I'm aware that maybe there is some distinction between feelings, and
attitude/behavior, but my brain always likes to automatically translate 対する to
`towards`, and I'm trying to figure out what it is about the word `towards`
that makes it fallacious to associate with that word




With the English language, "towards" can be ambiguous without context.
"Towards" can mean either "in the direction of" or "in relation to". に対する
typically means "in relation to" or "face or oppose", so as an alternative to
スポーツに対する情熱 or `a mother's love for her children`, you could say `a mother's
love towards her children` and you can still understand the meaning (even if
it sounds a little wierd). Same thing with 誰かに対する態度, `behavior towards
someone`, again you could say `behavior "facing" someone` and you may still be
able to get the general meaning.

In the end, it really just depends on if "towards" or "for" fits which
sentance you are constructing. Yes, it may be difficult do de-associate the
Japanese word 対する exclusively to `towards` and sometimes exchange it for
`for`, but you'll get there.

