ため

た

め

Common wordJLPTN4Freq.FrequencyTop 100

Meanings

1

noun, adverb

usually written using kana alone

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.

Written forms

ためUsage96%
Usual modern spelling. All senses are usually written in kana.
為ためUsage4%
Attested kanji spelling; often seen in more formal or older-looking writing, but kana is normally preferred in modern prose.
為ためUsage<1%
irregular okurigana
Irregular okurigana spelling given; uncommon in ordinary modern writing.
爲ためUsage<1%
out-dated kanji form
Traditional/outdated kanji form of 為; useful mainly for reading older texts.

Kanji

為do, change, make
爲change, be of use, reach to

Similar words

目もく的てき
A direct noun meaning 'purpose' or 'objective'; ため is more grammatical and commonly forms patterns like 〜するために.
理り由ゆう
Means 'reason' as a noun. ため can connect a cause to a result, especially in the pattern 〜のため.
おかげ
Means 'thanks to' and usually presents the result positively; ため is more neutral and can be used for both positive and negative results.
せい
Means 'because of' with a blaming or negative nuance; ため is more neutral and more formal-sounding in causal use.

Etymology

A native Japanese word commonly written in kana. 為 is the conventional kanji spelling associated with the idea of doing, purpose, or benefit, but the kana spelling ため is the normal modern form; the detailed historical derivation is not specified.