What it means
ために expresses a purpose or a beneficiary. After a noun, noun + のために means “for the sake of” or “for the benefit of” that noun. After a verb in the dictionary form, verb + ために means “in order to” do something. The phrase itself is not marked as familiar or polite; the predicate at the end of the sentence changes to show register.
Usage note
ために can also express a cause, often translated as “because of,” but this lesson focuses on its purpose and beneficiary uses. With a verb, use the dictionary form before ために, not the ます-form.
How to use it
家族のために働いています。
I am working for my family.
日本へ行くために、お金を貯めています。
I am saving money in order to go to Japan.
家族のために働いている。
I am working for my family.
日本へ行くために、お金を貯めている。
I am saving money in order to go to Japan.
Example sentences
弟のために、温かいスープを作ります。
I will make warm soup for my younger brother.
試験に合格するために、毎朝図書館で勉強します。
In order to pass the exam, I study at the library every morning.
祖父のために、庭に小さなベンチを置きました。
For my grandfather's sake, I placed a small bench in the garden.
健康のために、毎晩三十分歩きます。