为了……而……
in order to … (written): the purpose first, then what you do for it
Structure
为了 + 目的 + 而 + 动词
What it means
“In order to”: 为了 gives the purpose first, then 而 brings in the action taken for it. The pattern sounds written.
How it is built
为了 + purpose + 而 + verb: 很多年轻人为了更好的工作而离开家乡 (many young people leave their hometowns for better jobs). The subject can come first: 她为了学到更多的知识而离开了家.
When to use it
Written and formal; in speech people usually drop 而: 为了学中文，他来到了中国. To put the purpose at the end, as English does, use 是为了: 他来中国是为了学中文.
Watch out
This 而 only links the purpose to the action; it is not the 而 “whereas” of h4-3. Keep the purpose first: ✗ 他来到中国而为了学中文。 ✓ 他为了学中文而来到中国。
Examples
她为了学到更多的知识而离开了家。
She left home in order to learn more.
很多年轻人为了更好的工作而离开家乡。
Many young people leave their hometowns for better jobs.
我们不应该为了考试而学习。
We shouldn’t study just to pass exams.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 7: 留学回来 (Back from abroad)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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