んが為に
In order to, To, For the purpose of
Structure
Verb［
Exceptions:
する ￫ せんがため
Explanation
The grammar structure んがため is utilized to express that an action is performed 'for the sake of (A)' or 'to achieve the goal of (A)'. The ん is a remnant of む, a classical auxiliary verb that signifies strong intention, similar to the modern volitional forms う and よう. This ん is followed by the particle が and the noun ため, meaning 'purpose' or 'sake'.
This pattern attaches to the indeterminate form (also known as the ない stem or A-stem) of a verb. Typically, んがため will be followed by に when leading into a clause with a verb, and by の when it modifies a noun that comes directly after it.
- 彼は大事な試験に受からんがために、毎日図書館で勉強している。He studies at the library every day in order to pass his important exam.
- 家族は新しい家を買わんがために、一生懸命お金を貯めている。In order to buy a new house, the family is working hard to save money.
- 本当のことは言えない。これは友達を守らんがための嘘だ。I can't tell the truth. This is a lie told in order to protect my friend.
- 一位にならんがための計画を立てたが、うまくいかなかった。I formulated a plan in order to get first place, but it didn't go well.
Because ん retains the original meaning of む, this grammar point always carries a strong nuance of the speaker's determination to see a goal through. Since む expresses volition, the verb that precedes ん must be an action that the speaker can consciously control.
Caution
As is common with classical grammar patterns involving する, the verb base used is the older form せ, not the modern し.
- 彼は試合に勝利せんがために、危険な技を使った。He used a dangerous technique in order to win the match.
Examples
国の独立を守らんがために、多くの兵士が命を落とした。
Many soldiers lost their lives in order to protect the country's independence.
小説：「彼女はその一枚の絵を描かんがために、自らの健康を犠牲にした。」
Novel: 'She sacrificed her own health for the purpose of painting that single picture.'
これはライバル会社に勝たんがための新しい戦略だ。
This is a new strategy for the purpose of winning against our rival company.
彼は医者にならんがために、寝る間も惜しんで勉強している。
He is studying so hard he barely sleeps, all in order to become a doctor.
真実を隠さんがために、彼は巧妙な嘘を重ねた。
He piled one clever lie on top of another in order to hide the truth.
記録：「探検家は古代遺跡の謎を知らんがために、ジャングルの奥地へと足を踏み入れた。」
Record: 'The explorer ventured deep into the jungle for the purpose of learning the mysteries of the ancient ruins.'
歴史書：「王は権力を手に入れんがために、実の兄さえも裏切った。」
History Book: 'The king betrayed even his own brother in order to seize power.'
平和の尊さを訴えんがためのデモが各地で行われた。
Demonstrations for the purpose of appealing to the importance of peace were held in various places.
リーダー：「この危機を生き延びんがため、我々は協力せねばならぬ！」
Leader: 'We must cooperate in order to survive this crisis!'
持続可能な社会を実現せんがために、多くの科学者が日夜研究を続けている。
Many scientists continue their research day and night for the purpose of realizing a sustainable society.
一人娘を大学に行かせんがために、両親は身を粉にして働いた。
The parents worked themselves to the bone in order to send their only daughter to college.
刑事：「奴を捕らえんがため、いかなる手段もいとわない。」
Detective: 'I will stop at nothing to capture him.'