What it means
ために expresses a purpose or goal: “for,” “in order to,” or “for the sake of.” It follows a noun with の when referring to a person, group, or goal that benefits from an action, and it follows a verb in the dictionary form when stating the purpose of an intentional action. The action before ために is normally deliberate and is usually performed by the same subject as the main action.
Usage note
With nouns, ために can mean “for the sake of” or “for the benefit of,” while with verbs it usually means “in order to.” For a purpose involving a non-volitional or potential state, ように is often more natural than ために.
How to use it
家族のために、毎月お金を貯めます。
I save money every month for my family.
将来海外で働くために、英語を勉強します。
I study English in order to work abroad in the future.
家族のために、毎月お金を貯める。
I save money every month for my family.
将来海外で働くために、英語を勉強する。
I study English in order to work abroad in the future.
Example sentences
災害に備えるために、町内会は毎月避難訓練を行っています。
To prepare for disasters, the neighborhood association conducts an evacuation drill every month.
祖母のために、週末に庭の手入れをします。
For my grandmother's sake, I tend the garden on weekends.
資格を取るために、毎晩図書館で勉強しています。
I study at the library every evening in order to obtain a qualification.