Translation and Meaning of: 為 - tame
The Japanese word 為 (ため) is a versatile term that appears in various contexts of the language, from everyday expressions to more complex grammatical constructions. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore its different aspects, including its origin, translation, and practical applications. Additionally, we will see how it is perceived in Japanese culture and some tips for memorizing it efficiently.
In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 為 is described as a word that carries meanings such as "benefit," "purpose," or "cause." Its usage can vary depending on the context, and understanding its nuances is essential for those who wish to communicate naturally in Japanese. Let's dive into the details of this word and explore why it is so relevant in language learning.
Meaning and use of 為 (ため)
The term 為 (ため) can be translated in different ways, depending on the situation in which it is used. In many cases, it expresses the idea of "for" or "in benefit of," as in the phrase "家族のために働く" (to work for the family). Here, the word indicates a purpose or an objective to be achieved. Another common interpretation is "due to" or "because of," as in "雨のために試合が中止になった" (the game was canceled due to the rain).
Moreover, 為 can appear in set expressions, such as "～のためになる" (to be useful for something/someone). This flexibility makes it a fundamental word for anyone learning Japanese, as it appears in both informal conversations and more formal texts. Its usage is so frequent that mastering it can significantly improve language comprehension.
Origin and writing of the kanji 為
The kanji 為 has an interesting history. It is composed of the radical 爪 (nail/claw) and 象 (elephant), suggesting an idea of "doing" or "acting." Originally, this character was used in classical Chinese with meanings related to "action" or "behavior." Over time, its use in Japanese acquired more specific nuances, especially regarding benefits and purposes.
It is worth noting that, although the kanji 為 is less common in modern Japanese, its reading ため is still widely used, often written in hiragana for simplification. This happens because some kanjis are considered complex or archaic, and replacing them with kana makes reading easier. However, knowing the kanji is useful for understanding more formal or literary texts.
Tips for memorizing and using 為 (ため)
An effective way to memorize 為 (ため) is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of sentences like "健康のために運動する" (to exercise for health) or "子供のためにおもちゃを買う" (to buy a toy for the child). These examples help reinforce the meaning of "purpose" or "benefit". Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting sentences that use the word in various contexts.
Additionally, pay attention to how native speakers use ため in real conversations. Watching dramas, animes, or videos on YouTube can help identify usage patterns. Over time, you will start to notice when the word is used to indicate cause, purpose, or advantage, making your learning more intuitive and natural.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- ため (tame) - purpose, benefit
- なり (nari) - become, turn
- いたるところ (itaru tokoro) - everywhere, all over
- つくる (tsukuru) - make, create
- する (suru) - to do, to accomplish
- たてる (tateru) - raise, establish
- ことわり (kotowari) - reason, explanation
- もとめる (motomeru) - search, look for
- つくりあげる (tsukuriageru) - build, fully elaborate
- つくりだす (tsukuridasu) - produce, create
- つくりもの (tsukurimono) - product, work done
- つくるもの (tsukuru mono) - things that are made, something created
Related words
Romaji: tame
Kana: ため
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: good; advantage; benefit; well-being; sake; to; in order to; because of; as a result of
Meaning in English: good;advantage;benefit;welfare;sake;to;in order to;because of;as a result of
Definition: An action or activity undertaken to make something happen.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (為) tame
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (為) tame:
Example Sentences - (為) tame
See below some example sentences:
Gyōi ni wa sekinin ga tomonai masu
Actions come with responsibility.
The act is responsible.
- 行為 (kōi) - action, behavior
- には (ni wa) - particle indicating the existence of a relationship between two things
- 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
- が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 伴います (tomoniimasu) - accompany, be with
Ihan wa hōritsu ni ihan suru kōi desu
A violation is an act that violates the law.
- 違反 - violation
- は - Topic particle
- 法律 - law
- に - target particle
- 違反する - violate
- 行為 - after
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Keisatsu wa ihō kōi o torishimaru tame ni katsudō shiteimasu
The police are working to crack down on illegal activities.
The police are working to crack down on illegal activities.
- 警察 - keisatsu (police)
- は - wa (topic particle)
- 違法行為 - ihou koui (illegal activities)
- を - wo (direct object particle)
- 取り締まる - torishimaru (regulatory)
- ために - tameni (to)
- 活動しています - katsudou shiteimasu (are active)
Kyōhaku wa yurusarenai kōi desu
Coercion is an unacceptable act.
Threatening is an unacceptable act.
- 脅迫 (kyōhaku) - Threats, intimidation
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 許されない (yurusarenai) - Not allowed, not acceptable
- 行為 (kōi) - behavior, action
- です (desu) - Sentence-ending particle
Ranyou wa yurusarenai koui desu
Abuse is not permissible conduct.
Abuse is an unacceptable act.
- 濫用 - abuse
- は - Topic particle
- 許されない - not allowed
- 行為 - after
- です - is
Ansatsu wa akushitsu na kōi desu
Murder is a malicious act.
Murder is a malicious act.
- 暗殺 (ansatsu) - murder
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 悪質 (akushitsu) - malicious, evil
- な (na) - adjective particle
- 行為 (kōi) - act, action
- です (desu) - polite way of being
Hikyou na koui wa yurusarenai
Cowardly actions are not allowed.
Cowardly acts are not allowed.
- 卑怯な - coward, unfaithful
- 行為 - action, behavior
- は - Topic particle
- 許されない - not allowed, not tolerated
Kigai wo ataeru koui wa yurusaremasen
Actions that cause harm are not allowed.
The act of harming is not allowed.
- 危害を与える行為 - Action that causes damage
- は - Topic particle
- 許されません - Not allowed
Chūshō wa yurusarenai kōi desu
Defaming others is unacceptable behavior.
Slavery is an unacceptable act.
- 中傷 - defamation
- は - Topic particle
- 許されない - not allowed
- 行為 - action
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Fusei na kōi wa yurusarenai
Illegal behavior is not allowed.
Unauthorized acts are not allowed.
- 不正な - means "illegal" or "inappropriate".
- 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
- は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 許されない - It means "not allowed" or "not tolerated".
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
