为 · 为了
为: for (someone) · 为了: in order to, for the sake of
Structure
主语 + 为 + 人 + 动词 · 为了 + 目的 ，主语 + 动词
What it means
为了 + goal gives a purpose: “in order to, for the sake of”. 为 + person says who an action is for. Both are read wèi.
How it is built
为了 + goal，subject + verb: 为了身体健康，他每天早上跑步 (he runs every morning to stay healthy). Subject + 为 + person + verb: 妈妈为我们准备了晚饭 (Mum made dinner for us).
When to use it
为了 + goal usually opens the sentence and says why you do something. If the goal comes last, use 是为了: 我每天跑步是为了健康. 为 + person goes before the verb and works like 给: 他为我准备了礼物.
Watch out
A goal at the end needs 是: ✗ 我每天跑步为了健康。 ✓ 我每天跑步是为了健康。 Read it wèi here, not wéi as in 认为 or 成为.
Examples
为了身体健康，他每天早上跑步。
He runs every morning to stay healthy.
王明为大卫做了一个训练计划。
Wang Ming made a training plan for David.
妈妈为我们准备了晚饭。
Mum made dinner for us.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 9: 锻炼身体 (Getting fit)
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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