JLPT N3・N4 Grammar – Difference between “〜ために” and “〜ように”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜ために” and “〜ように”
2. ために
3. ように
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “〜ために” and “〜ように”? Can they be used interchangeably in sentences like this?
✕ 試合に勝てるために がんばります
◯ 試合に勝てるように がんばります
A:”〜ために” expresses a purpose and is used with volitional verbs (actions that can be intentionally performed).
“〜ように” expresses the realization of a state or ability and is used with non-volitional or potential verbs, which are difficult to control intentionally.
Since “勝てる” (to be able to win) is not something that can be decided solely by one’s will, “〜ように” is the correct choice.
Let’s take a closer look at their usage!
ために (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
Indicates the reason or purpose of an action.
[Rule]
[V] Verb stem + ために
[N] Noun + の + ために
[Examples]
次の試合に勝つために、毎日練習しています。
I practice every day to win the next match.
日本で働くために、日本語を勉強してます。
I study Japanese to work in Japan.
勉強のために毎朝6時に起きています。
I wake up at 6 AM every morning for my studies.
ように (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Indicates the realization of a state or ability, achievement of a goal, or an action taken to obtain a desirable outcome.
[Rule]
[V] Dictionary form / Negative form + ように
[Examples]
次の試合で勝てるように、毎日練習しています。
I practice every day so that I can win the next match.
小さな子供でも分かるように説明するのは、なかなか難しいです。
It is quite difficult to explain in a way that even small children can understand.
風邪をひかないように、食事に気をつけています。
I take care of my diet to avoid catching a cold.
Let’s Compare
[How to Use “～ために”]
“～ために” is used to indicate a purpose. It is used with volitional verbs, which refer to actions that can be controlled by one’s own will.
Examples: “食べる” (to eat), “行く” (to go), “見る” (to see)
Additionally, verbs like “勝つ” (to win), which express actions aimed at achieving a goal, also fall under volitional verbs.
[How to Use “～ように”]
“～ように” is used to express the expectation of achieving a goal.
While “～ために” is used with volitional verbs, “～ように” is used with non-volitional verbs or potential verbs.
・Non-volitional verbs: Actions that cannot be controlled by one’s will, such as “（風邪を）ひく” (to catch a cold) or “（病気に）なる” (to become ill).
・Potential verbs: Verbs that express possibility, such as “食べられる” (can eat), “行ける” (can go), “見える” (can see), and “聞こえる” (can hear).
So, why can’t we say “勝てるためにがんばります”?
✕ 試合に勝てるためにがんばります
◯ 試合に勝てるようにがんばります
The reason is that “勝てる” is a potential verb.
When using “～ために,” a volitional verb is required. Therefore, the correct expression would be “勝つためにがんばります”, which expresses a goal.
On the other hand, “勝てる” is a potential verb, meaning it conveys the expectation of achieving a goal. Thus, the appropriate expression is “勝てるようにがんばります”.
Summary
- Use “volitional verb + ために” to indicate a specific purpose.
- Use “non-volitional verb / potential verb + ように” to express the expectation of achieving a goal.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. ように
字がよく見えるようにもう少し前に座りましょう。
Let’s sit a little closer so that we can see the characters clearly.
*”見える”is a potential verb. Since “字がよく見える” (being able to see the characters clearly) represents a desired state, “～ように” is the correct choice.
A. ために
旅行のために大きいスーツケースを買いました。
I bought a large suitcase for the trip.
*”旅行” (travel) is a purpose, so “～ために” is the correct choice.
A. ために
漢字を覚えるために書いて練習しています。
I practice writing in order to memorize kanji.
*”覚える” (to memorize) is a volitional verb. Since “漢字を覚える” (memorizing kanji) is a goal, “～ために” is the correct choice.
A. ように
日本語を上手に話せるように、たくさん使っています。
I use Japanese a lot so that I can speak it fluently.
*”話せる” is a potential verb. Since “日本語を上手に話せる” (being able to speak Japanese well) represents a desired state, “～ように” is the correct choice.
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