その為に
For that reason, Because of that, To that end
Structure
Explanation
そのために is a common connecting phrase in Japanese, combining その, the noun ため ('purpose' or 'reason', sometimes written as 為), and the particle に. It is typically translated into English as 'for that reason', 'because of that', or 'for that purpose'.
そのために appears at the start of a sentence to introduce an action or result that stems from the situation or goal mentioned in the previous sentence. The final に is frequently dropped, leaving just そのため.
- きのうはとても暑かったです。そのため、エアコンをつけて寝ました。It was very hot yesterday. For that reason, I slept with the air conditioner on.
- 歌手になりたいです。そのため、毎日歌の練習をしています。I want to become a singer. To that end, I practice singing every day.
Caution
The word ため carries a strong sense of 'purpose' or 'sake', so it is most often used when describing actions taken to achieve a positive goal. However, it can also be used to connect a situation to its logical, sometimes negative, consequence.
- 健康でありたいです。そのために、野菜をたくさん食べて、運動もしています。I want to stay healthy. For that purpose, I eat lots of vegetables and also exercise.
- きのうの夜、雨がひどく降りました。そのために、川の水が溢れてしまいました。It rained heavily last night. Because of that, the river ended up flooding.
Fun Fact
The kanji 為 is remarkably versatile. Beyond its reading as ため, it can also stand in for verbs like する (to do), なる (to become), and なす (to accomplish). The inherent meaning of the character is 'to achieve a purpose' or 'to bring about a result', a nuance that is present in each of its different readings.
Examples
新しい家を買いたい。その為に貯金をしている。
I want to buy a new house. For that purpose, I'm saving money. (for the sake of that)
電車が遅延した。その為、会議に遅れてしまった。
The train was delayed. Because of that, I was late for the meeting. (for the sake of that)
風邪をひいてしまった。その為、今日は学校を休みます。
I caught a cold. For that reason, I'm taking the day off from school today. (for the sake of that)
料理上手になりたい。その為に料理教室に通っている。
I want to become good at cooking. To that end, I'm attending a cooking class. (for the sake of that)
大雪が降った。その為、高速道路が閉鎖されている。
It snowed heavily. Because of that, the highway is closed. (for the sake of that)
試験に合格したい。その為に毎日３時間勉強している。
I want to pass the exam. For that purpose, I study for three hours every day. (for the sake of that)
財布を忘れてきた。その為、お昼ご飯が買えなかった。
I forgot my wallet. Because of that, I couldn't buy lunch. (for the sake of that)
来月イタリアに旅行する。その為にイタリア語を勉強している。
I'm traveling to Italy next month. For that reason, I'm studying Italian. (for the sake of that)
パソコンが故障した。その為宿題が終わらなかった。
My computer broke down. Because of that, I couldn't finish my homework. (for the sake of that)
夏までに痩せたい。その為にダイエットをしている。
I want to lose weight by summer. For that purpose, I'm on a diet. (for the sake of that)
大型の台風が来た。その為、多くのフライトが欠航になった。
A large typhoon came. For that reason, many flights were canceled. (for the sake of that)
このプロジェクトは明日までに終わらせなければならない。その為に、みんなで残業している。
This project has to be finished by tomorrow. For that reason, everyone is working overtime. (for the sake of that)