为之 + 动词
to be moved, shaken or struck by it
Structure
原因 ， 主语 为之 动词（震惊、感动、惋惜…） · 为之一 单音节动词（振、惊、亮）
What it means
‘To be moved, shaken or struck by it’: 为 wèi is ‘because of’ and 之 is ‘it’, the thing just described.
How it is built
Cause clause + subject + 为之 + reaction verb (震惊、感动、惋惜、惊叹), or 为之一 + one syllable (振、惊、亮): 消息传出，世界为之震惊 (when the news broke, the world was stunned).
When to use it
Written, a little literary. With an action verb 为之 means ‘for it’: 为之奋斗 (to fight for it). The cause always comes first, in its own clause.
Watch out
Read 为 as wèi, not wéi. Don't name the cause again after the verb: ✗世界为之震惊这个消息 ✓消息传出，世界为之震惊.
Examples
消息传出，世界为之震惊。
When the news broke, the world was stunned.
新馆的展厅宽敞明亮，一走进去，人们的眼前为之一亮。
The galleries of the new hall are spacious and bright, and the moment people walk in, their eyes light up.
她讲完自己寻找亲人的经历，在场的人无不为之感动。
When she finished telling how she had searched for her family, everyone present was moved.
Learn this in Lesson 174 · HSK 7–9: 三星堆 (Sanxingdui)
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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