JLPT N3 grammar
ため(に) — Meaning & Examples
Formal "because" OR "in order to." Past form + ため = cause. Dictionary form + ために = purpose. More polished than から/ので — used in news, business, formal writing.
ため — Formal "Because" and "In Order To"
ため has TWO meanings depending on context:
Meaning 1: Cause (neutral, formal)
[noun/plain form] + ため
台風のため、学校が休みになった。
= Due to the typhoon, school was closed.
仕事が忙しいため、会えない。
= Because work is busy, I can't meet up.
More formal than から/ので — preferred in news, business, and writing.
Meaning 2: Purpose (in order to)
[dictionary form] + ために
健康のために、毎日走ります。
= I run every day for my health.
日本語を勉強するために、日本に来た。
= I came to Japan in order to study Japanese.
How to tell them apart:
- Past tense / fact + ため → cause
- Dictionary form (future intention) + ために → purpose
With nouns:
[noun] + のために = "for the sake of"
子どものために、頃張ります。 = I work hard for my children.
Practice questions
Try these 3 questions on ため(に). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. Which carries a NEGATIVE feeling (blame)?
- ため (tame)
- から (kara)
- おかげ (okage)
- せい (sei)
Show answer
Answer: せい (sei)
せい always implies negative outcome with blame. あなたのせいで = it's your fault!
2. Which carries a POSITIVE feeling (gratitude)?
- ため (tame)
- せい (sei)
- ので (node)
- おかげ (okage)
Show answer
Answer: おかげ (okage)
おかげ = thanks to (positive). 先生のおかげで = thanks to my teacher.
3. 健康のために走る means?
- Because of health, I run
- Health depends on running
- I should run for health
- I run for my health
Show answer
Answer: I run for my health
[dictionary form] + ために = purpose ("in order to"). 健康のために = for my health.
Practise ため(に) in the free app
This point is part of the “Cause and Effect — ため・せい・おかげ” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N3 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N3 grammar points
From the same lesson: Cause and Effect — ため・せい・おかげ
Frequently asked questions
What does ため(に) mean?
Formal "because" OR "in order to." Past form + ため = cause. Dictionary form + ために = purpose. More polished than から/ので — used in news, business, formal writing.
Is ため(に) on the JLPT N3 test?
ため(に) is taught in the JLPT N3 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Cause and Effect — ため・せい・おかげ”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise ため(に)?
Open the “Cause and Effect — ため・せい・おかげ” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N3 mock exams, with no ads.