Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 2: 11/22

(ため)Due to, Because of, As a result of

Often used with verb in past tense.

Structure

Verb + ため(に)
[い]Adjective + ため(に)
[な]Adjective + + ため(に)
Noun + + ため(に)

Details

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About ために

ため (or (ため) in its kanji form) is a noun in Japanese that can be translated quite closely to 'sake' in English. However, it is classified as a non-independent word in Japanese, and must always be connected to another word which illustrates the 'sake' that ため is highlighting. The case marking particle に will often be added after ため, to show that (A) is a goal that something will be done to reach.

However, when used with verbs in the past tense, ために more frequently highlights that something happened 'due to (A)', rather than 'for the sake of (A)'. Because of this, a more accurate description of ため in all situations is 'in light of (A)'. This expresses that (A) is the primary or major event/thing that resulted in (B).

To use ために as 'in light of', 'as a result of', or 'because of', attach it to the end of verb in its past form, or a noun follow by の. It may also be used after い-Adjectives or な-Adjectives in their attributive form.

This 'in light of (A)' nuance can be used in reference to things that have already happened (as above), or in reference to something that is considered as the purpose of an action (as in our other ために grammar point).

Examples

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    夜更(よふ)かしした(ため)(あさ)寝坊(ねぼう)してしまった。

    I woke up late this morning, due to the fact that I stayed up late last night.

    台風(たいふう)(ため)試合(しあい)中止(ちゅうし)になった。

    The game was canceled due to the typhoon.

    (かね)使(つか)いすぎた(ため)貯金(ちょきん)がもうほとんどない。

    As a result of us having used too much money, we have almost no savings.

    (さむ)(ため)(くるま)故障(こしょう)してしまった。

    My car broke down due to the cold.

    (さむ)(ため)(くるま)故障(こしょう)してしまった。

    The car broke down due to the cold.

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ために – Grammar Discussion