JLPT N4
ために
In order to / Because of
Structure
Verb dictionary form ために / Noun の ために
How it works
This grammar point expresses either a purpose ('in order to') or a reason ('because of'). When expressing purpose, use the dictionary form of a non-stative verb or a noun followed by 'の'. When expressing a reason, it often indicates a cause that leads to a negative or formal result.
Examples
新しい車を買うために、貯金しています。
I am saving money in order to buy a new car.
健康のために、毎日走っています。
I run every day for the sake of my health.
雪のために、電車が遅れました。
The train was delayed because of the snow.
Common mistakes
Confusing 'ために' with 'ように'. Use 'ために' when you have direct control over the action (conscious goal), and 'ように' for things you cannot directly control, like potential forms or negative verbs.
Tip
If the verb before 'ために' is in the dictionary form, it almost always means 'in order to'. If it follows a noun or a past-tense verb, look at the context to decide if it means 'for the sake of' or 'because of'.
More JLPT N4 grammar
See ために in real Japanese
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