Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core meaning
Use to express purpose or reason in a more formal register.
Start with the example
、。
I walk a little every day for the sake of my health.
marks a purpose or benefit here.
Notice the variation
、。
Because of heavy rain, the event was postponed.
This gives a formal reason in a notice-like sentence.
More detail: how to apply this
can express either purpose (“for the sake of … / in order to …”) or reason (“because of …”).
At N3, it is especially important because it appears often in formal written Japanese.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Decide whether points backward to a cause or forward to a purpose, then preserve the affected scope.
reports the resulting unavailability in a formal notice.
、。
Because of a system failure, some services are unavailable.
Decide whether points backward to a cause or forward to a purpose, then preserve the affected scope.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I walk a little every day for the sake of my health.
marks a purpose or benefit here.
Vocabulary notes
- ために
- for; in order to
Compare in context
、。
Because of heavy rain, the event was postponed.
This gives a formal reason in a notice-like sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- ため
- for the sake of; for
- イベント
- event
Section 2 of 4
Purpose vs reason
Purpose vs reason
Start with the example
、。
I am saving money in order to study abroad.
The speaker is acting toward a concrete goal.
Notice the variation
、。
Because of a system failure, some services are unavailable.
A formal cause is given for service unavailability.
More detail: how to apply this
When the sentence describes a goal or intended benefit, is purpose.
When it explains why something happened, it is reason.
In formal writing, may sound more official than or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I am saving money in order to study abroad.
The speaker is acting toward a concrete goal.
、。
I am saving money in order to study abroad.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I am saving money in order to study abroad.
Showing Purpose vs reason: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I am saving money in order to study abroad.
The speaker is acting toward a concrete goal.
Vocabulary notes
- 留学する
- to study abroad
Preview
、。
Because of a system failure, some services are unavailable.
A formal cause is given for service unavailability.
Vocabulary notes
- ため
- for the sake of; for
Section 3 of 4
Reading notes
Decide whether points backward to a cause or forward to a purpose, then preserve the affected scope.
Reading notes
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The system failure is the cause of the problem. It is not a goal someone is trying to achieve.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Writers often use in notices and article-style prose because it compresses information neatly.
When you see , decide first whether the sentence is pointing toward a goal or explaining a cause.
That distinction unlocks the whole sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
For safety, please do not enter the construction area.
Safety is presented as the reason for the instruction.
、。
For safety, please do not enter the construction area.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: For safety, please do not enter the construction area.
Showing Reading notes: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
For safety, please do not enter the construction area.
Safety is presented as the reason for the instruction.
Vocabulary notes
- ください
- please give; please do
Preview
、。
I will be absent from today's class because I am not feeling well.
is a formal written reason for absence.
Vocabulary notes
- ため
- for the sake of; for
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Noun cause and intentional verb purpose distinguish the roles in these contexts.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Noun cause and intentional verb purpose distinguish the roles in these contexts.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Stopped because of a fault / deliberately stopped it for inspection
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.