「～んがために」- Purpose Structure

Explanation

～んがために is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express purpose, primarily in written language. It is a formal and somewhat rigid expression that indicates taking an action to achieve a specific goal or reason. It is formed by attaching the verb's negative stem (the form without "ない") followed by 「んがために」. Additionally, the verb "する" becomes 「せんがため」 when used in this structure.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb Negative Stem + んがために	Verb Negative Stem + んがために	Expresses the purpose or reason for an action, often translated as "in order to..." or "for the sake of..."

Basic Usage and Examples

• 夢ゆめを叶かなえんがため、日々ひび努力どりょくしている。
• Yume o kanaen ga tame, hibi doryoku shiteiru.
• I work hard every day in order to achieve my dream.
  

• 自分じぶんの店みせを持もたんがため、必死ひっしで働はたらいている。
• Jibun no mise o motan ga tame, hisshi de hataraiteiru.
• I am working desperately in order to have my own shop.
  

• 試合しあいで勝かたんがため、毎日まいにちの練習れんしゅうを怠おこたらない。
• Shiai de katan ga tame, mainichi no renshuu o okotaranai.
• I never neglect my daily practice in order to win the match.
  

Deep Dive

The use of ～んがために in written language often conveys a strong sense of purpose and determination, making it suitable for expressing significant goals. This structure is mainly found in formal documents, literary works, and speeches. Its formal nature contrasts with casual speech, so it is important to use it in appropriate contexts.

• Example:
  • このこの研究けんきゅうは、社会しゃかいの問題もんだいを解決かいけつせんがために行おこなわれた。
  • Kono kenkyuu wa, shakai no mondai o kaiketsu sen ga tame ni okonawareta.
  • This research was conducted in order to solve societal problems.
    
  • 国くにの発展はってんのために、教育きょういくを重視じゅうしする。
  • Kuni no hatten no tame ni, kyouiku o juushi suru.
  • We prioritize education for the sake of the nation's development.
    

Cultural Background

The expression ～んがために originates from classical Japanese and carries a strong literary flavor. It is commonly found in classic literary works and formal documents. While it is rarely used in modern everyday conversation, it still appears in literary creations, formal reports, and legal documents.

Summary

～んがために is a formal grammatical structure in Japanese used to express strong purpose and determination. It connects to the negative stem of verbs and is primarily used in formal and written contexts. Understanding and mastering this grammar can enhance the formality and precision of your Japanese written expressions.