為に
For, For the sake of, In order to
Structure
Noun + の + ため(に)
Explanation
The Japanese noun ため (which can be written in kanji as 為) expresses the idea of 'purpose' or 'benefit'. It is considered a non-independent word, meaning it must always follow another word or phrase that specifies this purpose. Frequently, the case marking particle に is attached to ため, indicating that (A) is the objective for which an action will be carried out.
Consequently, ために is most often translated into English as 'for the purpose of (A)', or 'in order to (A)'.
To form this structure, add ために directly after a verb's dictionary form, or after a noun that is followed by the particle の.
- 試験に合格するために、毎日勉強しています。In order to pass the exam, I am studying every day.
- 健康を保つために、野菜をたくさん食べている。In order to maintain my health, I eat a lot of vegetables.
- 家族のために頑張って。Please do your best for your family.
- 彼女のためにプレゼントを用意したのに、もう帰ってしまったの？I prepared a gift for her, but she's already gone home?
Fun Fact
Although ため primarily indicates a future purpose or goal, it can also show the cause or reason for something that has already happened. For this reason, a more comprehensive translation for ため in all situations is 'on account of (A)'. This simply shows that (A) is the main factor that either will lead to (B) or has already resulted in (B).
- 去年、日本へ留学するために、アルバイトをしました。Last year, I worked a part-time job in order to study abroad in Japan.
- 事故のため、電車が遅れています。The train is running late due to an accident.
When ため points to the cause of a past event, it is commonly translated as 'due to' or 'because of'.
Examples
日本に旅行する為に、日本語を学んでいます。
I am learning Japanese in order to travel to Japan.
彼は試験に合格する為だけに勉強しているわけではない。
He isn't studying just for the sake of passing the exam.
留学する為に、一生懸命アルバイトをしています。
I am working hard at my part-time job so that I can study abroad.
始発電車に乗る為に、朝早く起きた。
I woke up early in the morning in order to catch the first train.
いったい何の為にそんなに働くのですか。
What on earth are you working so hard for?
チームの勝利の為に、みんなで力を合わせよう。
Let's all work together for the team's victory.
全ては家族の為にやっていることです。
Everything I do is for my family.
環境を守る為に、私たちができることは何だろうか。
I wonder what we can do in order to protect the environment.
自分自身の将来の為に、今頑張らなければならない。
I have to work hard now for my own future.
医者になる為に、毎日必死で勉強している。
I am studying desperately every day in order to become a doctor.
パーティーの準備の為に、買い出しに行きましょう。
Let's go shopping in order to prepare for the party.
みんなの安全の為に、ルールは必ず守ってください。
Please be sure to follow the rules for everyone's safety.