Translation guide
The English preposition 'for' has many uses. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: purpose, benefit, duration, exchange, reason, and more. Japanese uses particles like に, のために, 間, にとって, and others depending on the meaning.
Expressing what something is used for or its intended purpose.
Use the particle に after a noun to indicate purpose when the noun implies an action (e.g., 買い物に). Often used with verbs of motion like 行く, 来る.
Use のに after a verb in dictionary form to mean 'for the purpose of doing something'. It is often followed by adjectives like 便利 (convenient), 必要 (necessary), or verbs like 使う (use).
このはさみは紙を切るのに使います。
These scissors are used for cutting paper.
日本語を勉強するのにいい本です。
It's a good book for studying Japanese.
The suffix 用 means 'for the use of' or 'intended for'. It attaches to nouns. Common in compound words.
Doing something for someone's benefit or for a cause.
ために means 'for the sake of' or 'for the benefit of'. It can be used with people, things, or abstract goals. More formal than に.
家族のために働いています。
I work for my family.
健康のために運動する。
I exercise for my health.
Indicating how long an action or state continues.
Use 間 (あいだ) after a time expression to mean 'for' a duration. の間 is optional with some time words. Often used with ずっと for emphasis.
二時間（の間）勉強した。
I studied for two hours.
長い間お世話になりました。
Thank you for everything you've done for me over the long period.
Indicating what is given in return, especially money.
Use で after a price to mean 'for (a price)'. It marks the means or cost.
この本を千円で買った。
I bought this book for 1,000 yen.
10ドルで売っている。
They sell it for 10 dollars.
Giving a reason or cause for something.
Use で after a noun to indicate a reason or cause. Often used with ので or から for clauses.
雨で試合が中止になった。
The game was canceled because of rain. (lit. for rain)
病気で学校を休んだ。
I was absent from school due to illness.
Expressing agreement or support for something.
賛成 means 'agreement' or 'support'. Use に to mark what you are for.
その計画に賛成ですか。
Are you for the plan?
支持する means 'to support'. More formal, often used in political or organizational contexts.
Indicating the place someone is heading to.
Introducing a topic or expressing 'concerning' someone/something.
にとって means 'for' in the sense of 'from the standpoint of' or 'as far as ~ is concerned'. It is used to express judgments or evaluations relevant to a person or group.
私にとって家族が一番大切です。
For me, family is the most important.
English 'for' is often not expressed by a single Japanese word. The correct particle or pattern depends on the meaning. Using のために for everything will sound unnatural. Pay attention to the function of 'for' in the sentence.
彼は私に花を買ってくれた。
He bought flowers for me. (Not 私のために in this case, as it's a giving situation.)
ために is used when the subject has control over the outcome (volitional). ように is used when the outcome is not directly controllable or for hopes/wishes. For 'for the purpose of', ために is more direct.
日本語を勉強するために日本に行った。
I went to Japan to study Japanese. (I can control studying.)
When the action involves giving or doing something for someone, use に to mark the recipient. Common verbs: あげる, くれる, もらう, してあげる, してくれる.
友達にプレゼントを買った。
I bought a present for my friend.
母が私に弁当を作ってくれた。
My mother made a lunch for me.
ぶり means 'for the first time in (a period)'. It emphasizes the gap since the last occurrence.
十年ぶりに故郷に帰った。
I returned to my hometown for the first time in ten years.
A formal expression meaning 'in exchange for'. Used in written or formal contexts.
現金と引き換えに商品をお渡しします。
We will hand over the goods in exchange for cash.
ので gives a reason or cause. It is slightly more formal than から and often used to explain circumstances.
暑いので窓を開けてください。
Please open the window, for it's hot.
彼は改革を支持している。
He is for reform.
For him, that's an easy thing.
としては means 'as for' or 'in the capacity of'. It highlights a role or perspective.
私としては賛成できません。
For my part, I cannot agree.
日本語が話せるように勉強している。
I'm studying so that I can speak Japanese. (Ability is a state, not directly controlled.)
日本語が話せるように勉強している。
I'm studying so that I can speak Japanese. (Ability is a state, not directly controlled.)