为

• Pinyin: wèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為; originally depicted a hand leading an elephant — to do, to act for

Meaning

For; for the sake of; in order to. A preposition indicating purpose or benefit.

Used before the object of benefit or purpose. Common patterns include 为了 (for the purpose of), 为...服务 (to serve...), and 因为 (because). Distinguished from the pronunciation wéi, which means 'to be' or 'to act as.' An essential function word in Chinese grammar.

Examples

1. 她为家人做了很多事。 She has done many things for her family.
2. 为了学好中文，我每天都练习。 In order to learn Chinese well, I practise every day.
3. 谢谢你为我做的一切。 Thank you for everything you've done for me.

Usage Guide

Context: expressing purpose, expressing benefit, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 为了健康，我开始跑步。(For the sake of health, I started running.)
• 他为大家做了很多。(He has done a lot for everyone.)

Don't Say

• 为吃饭 without 了 (When expressing purpose, use 为了 with 了 before the verb phrase — 为了吃饭, not just 为吃饭)

Origin & History

Simplified from 為. An ancient character originally depicting a hand leading an elephant — to do, to act on behalf of.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal