为…起见
HSK 6- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 为…起见 is used to express that an action is carried out for the sake of or in pursuit of some benefit or purpose. It is formal in register.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 为…起见 is a fairly formal expression, commonly used in written language. It means "for the benefit of…", "in order to…", or "in consideration of…".
The element placed between 为 and 起见 is the purpose or factor to be considered. The main clause is the action taken on the basis of that consideration. This structure emphasizes that the action is carried out with deliberate care.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 为安全起见，请不要吸烟。繁: 為安全起見，請不要吸菸。Wèi ānquán qǐjiàn, qǐng búyào xīyān.
For safety reasons, please do not smoke.
- 为方便大家起见，我们准备了地图。繁: 為方便大家起見，我們準備了地圖。Wèi fāngbiàn dàjiā qǐjiàn, wǒmen zhǔnbèi le dìtú.
To make things convenient for everyone, we prepared a map.
- 为健康起见，他决定戒酒。繁: 為健康起見，他決定戒酒。Wèi jiànkāng qǐjiàn, tā juédìng jièjiǔ.
For the sake of his health, he decided to quit drinking.
- 为公平起见，我们重新比赛。繁: 為公平起見，我們重新比賽。Wèi gōngpíng qǐjiàn, wǒmen chóngxīn bǐsài.
For the sake of fairness, we will compete again.
- 为保险起见，出门前再检查一遍。繁: 為保險起見，出門前再檢查一遍。Wèi bǎoxiǎn qǐjiàn, chūmén qián zài jiǎnchá yí biàn.
To be safe, check once more before going out.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我为生病起见，没去上课。Correct:我因为生病，所以没去上课。
This structure is used for purpose or benefit, not to express ordinary reasons like illness; 因为 would be more natural.
- Wrong:起见安全，请不要吸烟。Correct:为安全起见，请不要吸烟。
起见 must follow the purpose (安全) and occur with 为 at the beginning of the phrase.