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为了

wèi le
HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 3 Preposition Very common

Definitions

  1. 1. for; for the purpose of; in order to

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Usage notes

Common mistakes

Common error: Using 为了 with a single noun object (为了 + N) instead of a verb phrase (为了 + V). It must be followed by a purpose, so use 为了+VP, not 为了+N.

Grammar

Guides that feature 为了

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6 guides
HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min
为（了）……起见 for “For the Sake of …”

Give the reason for a rule or precaution in formal Chinese with 为（了）……起见, as in 为了安全起见，请不要在楼梯上奔跑.

Reading: wèi le Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 5+ HSK 3.0 Level 5+ 5 min
……，为的是... for “All in Order To”

Put 为的是 in the second clause to explain the purpose of an action you have just described: 他每天六点起床，为的是多读一会儿书.

Reading: wèi le Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min
……，以…… for “In Order To …” in Formal Writing

State an action first and its purpose second with 以: 学校延长了图书馆的开放时间，以满足同学们的学习需要.

Reading: wèi le Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min
Doing Something for a Goal with 为了……而……

Use 为了 + goal + 而 + action to say what someone does for a purpose, as in 他为了考上大学而努力学习.

Reading: wèi le Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min
Purpose with 为了, 为 and 为了…而…

Say why you do something, “in order to” or “for the sake of”, with 为了, 为 and 为了…而…, and tell it apart from 因为.

Reading: wèi le Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 2+ 6 min
因为 + Noun for “Because of”

Use 因为 with a short reason, like 因为这件事 or 因为生病, before the verb to say what caused something.

Reading: wèi le Open guide

Example Sentences

5 shown
为了 学好中文，他每天练习。
In order to learn Chinese well, he practices every day.
为了 防止感冒，他每天都锻炼身体。
In order to prevent catching a cold, he exercises every day.
为了 找工作，他整天东奔西走。
He rushes about all day to find a job.
为了 按时完成任务，我们争分夺秒地工作。
To complete the task on time, we work racing against the clock.
为了 避免堵车，我们早点出发吧。
To avoid traffic, let's leave a bit earlier.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 为了

了
le

(completed action marker)

为
wéi

as (in the capacity of)

为
wèi

because of

了
liǎo

(of eyes) bright