
How to Use 〜ように and 〜ために in Japanese
If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably come across both 〜ように and 〜ために when expressing purposes or goals. While they may seem similar, they are used differently depending on the context. Let’s break down their meanings, usage, and differences so you can use them naturally in conversations!
1. 〜ように: For Achieving a Certain State or Ability
The phrase 〜ように is used when talking about:
- Achieving a goal related to an action or state
- A desired outcome that is not directly controlled by the speaker
- Making efforts for improvement
Formation:
Verb (dictionary form) + ように
Verb (potential form) + ように
Negative verb (ない-form) + ように
Example Sentences:
- 日本語が話せるように、毎日練習しています。 (I practice every day so that I can speak Japanese.)
- 風邪をひかないように、暖かくしてください。 (Please keep warm so that you don’t catch a cold.)
- 先生の話が聞こえるように、静かにしてください。 (Please be quiet so that you can hear the teacher.)
Key Point: 〜ように is often used with potential verbs (できる, わかる, 見える, 聞こえる) or verbs that indicate an involuntary result (なる, 増える, 減る).
2. 〜ために: For Achieving a Concrete Goal or Purpose
The phrase 〜ために is used when talking about:
- A specific goal or intention
- A purpose that is directly controlled by the speaker
- Actions taken to accomplish something
Formation:
Noun + のために
Verb (dictionary form) + ために
Example Sentences:
- 留学するために、日本語を勉強しています。 (I am studying Japanese in order to study abroad.)
- 健康のために、毎日運動しています。 (I exercise every day for my health.)
- 仕事のために、新しいパソコンを買いました。 (I bought a new computer for work.)
Key Point: 〜ために is used with action verbs that indicate intentional actions (買う, 行く, 勉強する, 作る, etc.).
3. Key Differences: ように vs. ために
Comparison | 〜ように | 〜ために |
---|---|---|
Focus | Achieving a state, ability, or condition | Purposeful action with a specific goal |
Verb Type | Potential/involuntary verbs | Action/intentional verbs |
Speaker Control | Often indirect | More direct and intentional |
Comparison Sentences:
日本語が話せるように、毎日練習しています。 (I practice every day so that I can speak Japanese.)
留学するために、日本語を勉強しています。 (I study Japanese in order to study abroad.)
→ In the first sentence, the goal is gaining an ability (speaking Japanese). In the second sentence, the purpose is a concrete action (studying abroad).
4. Common Expressions Using 〜ように and 〜ために
Using 〜ように
忘れないようにメモを取る (Take notes so that you don’t forget.)
事故が起こらないように注意する (Be careful so that accidents don’t happen.)
合格できるように頑張る (Try hard so that you can pass.)
Using 〜ために
成功のために努力する (Make an effort for success.)
新しい仕事のために引っ越す (Move for a new job.)
家族のために働く (Work for your family.)
5. Practice Time! Can You Choose the Right One?
Try filling in the blanks with 〜ように or 〜ために:
- 風邪をひかない(____)、マスクをつけます。
- 大学に合格する(____)、毎日勉強しています。
- 話が聞こえる(____)、テレビの音を小さくしました。
- 日本で働く(____)、ビジネス日本語を勉強しています。
- お客様が楽しめる(____)、サービスを向上させます。
(Answers: 1. ように, 2. ために, 3. ように, 4. ために, 5. ように)
6. Final Tips
If the verb is a potential/involuntary verb → Use 〜ように
If the verb is an intentional action → Use 〜ために
For expressing personal goals (like studying or working) → Use 〜ために
For general outcomes (like preventing sickness or improving skills) → Use 〜ように
Mastering 〜ように and 〜ために will help you express your goals and purposes more naturally in Japanese! Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be using them with confidence.
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