为了…而…
HSK 4- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 为了…而… is used to emphasize a purpose (the 为了 clause) and the action (the 而 clause) carried out to achieve that purpose.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure is used to connect a purpose with an action. 为了 (wèile) means "in order to, for the sake of" and is used to state a goal. 而 (ér) is a conjunction linking that goal to the specific action taken.
Adding 而 makes the sentence more formal and more clearly emphasizes the "purpose–action" relationship. In spoken language, 而 can sometimes be omitted, but the sentence loses its emphatic quality.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他为了家庭而努力工作。繁: 他為了家庭而努力工作。Tā wèile jiātíng ér nǔlì gōngzuò.
He works hard for the sake of his family.
- 我们为了梦想而奋斗。繁: 我們為了夢想而奮鬥。Wǒmen wèile mèngxiǎng ér fèndòu.
We strive for our dreams.
- 她为了健康而每天运动。繁: 她為了健康而每天運動。Tā wèile jiànkāng ér měitiān yùndòng.
She exercises every day for the sake of her health.
- 我为了学好中文而来中国。繁: 我為了學好中文而來中國。Wǒ wèile xué hǎo Zhōngwén ér lái Zhōngguó.
I came to China in order to learn Chinese well.
- 别为了小事而生气。繁: 別為了小事而生氣。Bié wèile xiǎoshì ér shēngqì.
Don't get angry over small matters.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我努力学习为了通过考试。Correct:我为了通过考试而努力学习。
The phrase 为了... indicating purpose must come before the action. This structure emphasizes "doing something FOR a reason."
- Wrong:因为要减肥，她而每天运动。Correct:为了减肥，她每天运动。
因为 indicates cause, while 为了 indicates purpose. Purpose is what you want to achieve in the future.