為

Do, Sake, Benefit

ため, な.る, な.す

JLPT N2

Interesting Fact

Although uncommon by itself, 為 appears in many important expressions such as 為替 (foreign exchange) and 人の為 (for the sake of others). In modern Japanese, it is often seen in formal writing.

Memory Trick

Imagine working hard for the sake of your family. Acting for someone else's benefit helps you remember 為 means 'for the sake of.'

Readings

Onyomi: イ (i)

Kunyomi: ため, な.る, な.す

Example Words

為替

かわせ (kawase)

Foreign exchange

行為

こうい (koui)

Act, Conduct

無為

むい (mui)

Idleness

人の為

ひとのため (hito no tame)

For the sake of others

Example Sentence

家族の為に一生懸命働いています。

かぞくのためにいっしょうけんめいはたらいています。

kazoku no tame ni isshoukenmei hataraiteimasu

I work hard for the sake of my family.

Related Kanjis