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

為

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.

Example Sentences - (為) tame

See below some example sentences:

ギャングは暴力行為をする人たちの集まりです。

Gyangu wa boryoku koui wo suru hitotachi no atsumari desu

Gang is a group of people who commit acts of violence.

Gang is a gathering of people who play violence.

• ギャング - gang
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 暴力行為 - violent acts
• を - article indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - to do
• 人たち - pessoas
• の - particle possession indicating
• 集まり - coleta
• です - copula indicando que a frase é uma afirmação

彼は犯罪を為さった。

Kare wa hanzai o nasatta

He committed a crime.

• 彼 (kare) - he
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 犯罪 (hanzai) - crime
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 為さった (nasa-tta) - committed (past tense of the verb 為す, nasu)

所為あっての結果

Shoi atte no kekka

The result is due to circumstances.

Results

• 所為 (shoi) - means "action" or "cause"
• あって (atte) - means "to be appropriate" or "to be suitable"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 結果 (kekka) - means "result" or "consequence"

挨拶は大切な社交行為です。

Aisatsu wa taisetsu na shakou koui desu

Greetings are an important social act.

• 挨拶 (aisatsu) - greeting
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 社交 (shakou) - socialization, social interaction
• 行為 (koui) - action, behavior
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

最低な行為をしてはいけません。

Saitei na kōi o shite wa ikemasen

Don't make the worst act.

• 最低な - means "the worst" or "the lowest".
• 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• いけません - negative form of the verb "iku" meaning "to go". In this case, it is used to indicate that something should not be done.

殺人は許されない行為です。

Satsujin wa yurusarenai koui desu

Murder is an unacceptable act.

• 殺人 - murder
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - not allowed
• 行為 - after
• です - is

浅ましい行為を犯すな。

Asamashii kōi wo okasu na

Do not commit petty acts.

Don't commit a superficial act.

• 浅ましい - adjective that means "mean," "base," "unworthy"
• 行為 - noun that means "action", "behavior"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 犯す - verb that means "to commit", "to violate"
• な - particle indicating an order or prohibition

為替の変動が激しいです。

Kawase no hendou ga hageshii desu

The change in exchange rates is severe.

• 為替 - exchange
• の - Possession particle
• 変動 - fluctuation
• が - subject particle
• 激しい - intense
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

為す術なきは泣くだけなり。

Nasu sube naki wa naku dake nari

When there is nothing that can be done

The only way to do this is to cry.

• 為す術なき - without solution
• は - Topic particle
• 泣く - To cry
• だけ - Only
• なり - to be

詐欺は許されない行為です。

Sagi wa yurusarenai koui desu

Fraud is an unacceptable action.

Fraud is an unacceptable act.

• 詐欺 - fraud
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - unforgivable
• 行為 - after
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense