为了

• Pinyin: wèi le
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為, originally depicting a hand leading an elephant — 'to do' or 'for'; 了 = function word particle

Meaning

For; in order to; for the sake of. A preposition expressing purpose or motivation.

One of the most essential Chinese prepositions, used to indicate the purpose of an action or the person something is done for. Always placed before the verb or clause it modifies. Distinguished from 因为 (because), which expresses cause rather than purpose.

Examples

1. 为了学好中文，他每天都练习。 In order to learn Chinese well, he practises every day.
2. 父母为了孩子付出了很多。 Parents sacrifice a lot for their children.
3. 为了身体健康，你应该多运动。 For the sake of your health, you should exercise more.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, writing

Tone: purposeful

Do Say

• 为了赶上飞机，我们提前出发了。(In order to catch the flight, we left early.)
• 她为了家人努力工作。(She works hard for her family.)

Don't Say

• 为了下雨，我带了伞。(Don't use 为了 for causes — 'because it rained' uses 因为. 为了 expresses purpose, not reason.)

Origin & History

为 means 'for' or 'to do' and 了 is a particle that completes the purposive meaning. Together they express 'for the purpose of'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal