Japanese word

ため

Pronunciation

Romajitame

Meaning

  • nounpurpose

Example

これは何のためですか。ko re wa nan no ta me de su ka

What is this for?

Illustration for ため (purpose)

More examples

みんなのために、花を植えます。mi n na no ta me ni hana o u e ma su

I plant flowers for everyone.

家族のために、毎日料理をしています。ka zoku no ta me ni mai nichi ryō ri o shi te i ma su

I cook every day for my family.

Core concept

Shows what gives an action or situation its direction, value, or explanation.

Common phrases

  • 何のためnan no ta me

    for what purpose

  • 何のためにnan no ta me ni

    for what purpose

  • 自分のためji bun no ta me

    for oneself

Similar words

目的mokuteki: The goal that an action, plan, or activity is intended to achieve.
意図ito: A person's planned aim in carrying out an action.
狙いnerai: A desired result that guides an action or plan.

Definition in Japanese

行為や事柄について、目的・利益・原因など、それと結び付く関係を示すもの。kō i ya koto gara ni tsu i te moku teki ri eki gen in na do so re to musu bi tsu ku kan kei o shime su mo no

Word origin

ため (tame) is a native Japanese noun traditionally written 為 (tame, "purpose; benefit"); its noun use refers to the intended end or value connected with an action.

Usage tips

  • The pattern 何のため (nan no tame) focuses on the purpose of something, while a phrase such as 人のため (hito no tame) can focus on the person who benefits.

Other meanings

  • benefitnoun
  • reasonnoun

Word lists with this word