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In order to (formal/literary)
Definition
The grammar pattern "動詞ナイ形（「ない」を除く）＋んがため（「する」は「せんがため」）" is used to express a strong, often noble or serious purpose. It is a very formal literary expression that originates from archaic Japanese. This pattern is used to convey a sense of determination, resolve, or dedication to a particular goal or cause. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to add gravity or importance to the statement.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form | 動詞ます形＋んがため | 見るます形＋んがため |
| Nai form | 動詞ない形＋んがため | 行くない形＋んがため |
| Suru form | するる形＋せんがため | するる形＋せんがため |
Examples
真実を明らかにするため、
Shinjitsu o akatsuki suru tame
In order to reveal the truth,
真実を明らかにするため、
祖国の危機を救わせんがため、
Sokoku no kiki o sukuse n ga tame
In order to save the country from crisis,
祖国の危機を救わせんがため、
彼女は夢を実現せんがため、困難な道を歩み始めた。
Kanojo wa yume o jitsugen se n ga tame, konnan na michi o aruku hajimeta.
She started walking on the difficult path in order to realize her dream.
彼女は夢を実現せんがため、困難な道を歩み始めた。
彼は一生を調査に捧げるため、
Kare wa isshō o chōsa ni sasageru tame
He dedicated his whole life to investigation.
彼は一生を調査に捧げるため、
多くの若者が志願したのは、祖国の危機を救わせんがためである。
Ookunonai wakamono ga shigan shita no wa, sokoku no kiki o sukuse n ga tame de aru.
Many young people volunteered because they wanted to save the country from crisis.
多くの若者が志願したのは、祖国の危機を救わせんがためである。
Context
This pattern is used in formal or literary contexts to add gravity or importance to the statement. It is often used in situations where the speaker wants to convey a sense of determination or resolve. It can be used with any verb, but it is most commonly used with verbs that convey a sense of purpose or intention.
Watch out
The correct pattern is 'suru' becomes 'sen', not 'surun'.
This pattern is too formal and literary for casual conversation. It is best used in formal or written contexts.
The pattern 'n bakari ni' is used to express a casual intention or purpose, whereas this pattern is used to express a strong, noble, or serious purpose.
Strategy
This pattern is often used in JLPT N1-level reading comprehension passages. Be careful to identify the correct pattern and understand the context in which it is used.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動詞ナイ形（「ない」を除く）＋んがため（「する」は「せんがため」） used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
真実を明らかにするせんがため、彼は一生を調査に捧げた。
Pattern used: せんがため
'Sen ga tame' is the most formal and emphatic way to express a lifelong purpose.
祖国の危機を救わんがため、多くの若者が志願した。
Pattern used: んがため
'N ga tame' matches the solemn tone of saving one's country.
彼女は夢を実現せんがため、困難な道を歩み始めた。
Pattern used: んがため
'Sen ga tame' indicates the purpose, while 'n bakari ni' would mean 'as if'.
Interactive
真実を明らかにする______、彼は一生を調査に捧げた。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.