为了

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

含义

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.

例句

1. 为了学好中文，他每天都练习。
2. 父母为了孩子付出了很多。
3. 为了身体健康，你应该多运动。

用法指南

语境: everyday, formal, writing

语气: purposeful

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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.)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal