ため
Meanings
benefit; good; welfare; interests
Refers to what is good for, beneficial to, or affects someone or something. Common in phrases such as ためになる, 人のため, and 〜のためを思って. This also covers the 'regarding/concerning/affecting' use when something is considered in relation to someone's interests or welfare.
See also: ために
This experience will surely be good for you in the future.
I'm saying this because I have your best interests in mind.
purpose; aim; for the sake of; in order to
Marks the purpose or objective of an action, often in the pattern verb-dictionary form + ために or noun + のために. It can mean both 'in order to' and 'for the sake of.'
I'm saving money in order to study abroad.
I walk every morning for my health.
because of; due to; as a result of; consequence
Introduces a cause or circumstance that produces a result, often in written or explanatory style. The result or effect is usually stated after ため or ために.
The game was canceled because of the heavy rain.
The road is congested due to an accident.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉のために〈動詞〉to do something for someone's sake
I work every day for the sake of my family.
- 〈事〉のため、〈事〉because of X, Y happened (formal cause-and-effect)
Because of the heavy rain, the game was cancelled.
- 〈人〉のためを思ってwith someone's best interests in mind
I said it honestly with my friend's best interests in mind.
- 〈物〉のために〈動詞〉to do something for the purpose of (something)
I eat a lot of vegetables for the sake of my health.
- 〈動詞〉ためにin order to do (something)
I read the newspaper every day in order to study Japanese.