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In order to (formal/literary variation)
Definition
This grammar pattern expresses a profound purpose or goal in highly formal or literary contexts. It is a variation of 'n ga tame' with the particle 'ni', and functions similarly to convey a deep intention or objective. The pattern is often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular action or goal.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form | 動詞マス形+んがために | 彼は政権を奪取せんがために、あらゆる謀略を巡らせた。 |
| Nai form (excluding 'nai') | 動詞ナイ形(「ない」を除く)+んがために | 彼は政権を奪わんがために、危険な任務に就いた。 |
| Potential form | 動詞ラ形+んがために | 彼は政権を奪らんがために、謀略を練った。 |
Examples
彼は政権を奪取せんがために、あらゆる謀略を巡らせた。
Kare wa seiken o ubiwagan ga toki ni, aruyuru boryaku o meguru made ta.
He took the government for the purpose of seizing it, and he has been plotting every kind of intrigue.
彼は政権を奪取せんがために、謀略を巡らせた。 (He took the government for the purpose of seizing it.)
愛する家族を守らんがために、彼は危険な任務に就いた。
Aisuru kazoku o mamoran ga toki ni, kare wa kiken na ninmu ni tsukiatte iru.
For the purpose of protecting his beloved family, he took on a dangerous mission.
愛する家族を守らんがために、危険な任務に就いた。 (For the purpose of protecting his beloved family, he took on a dangerous mission.)
真理を究めんがために、科学者たちは日夜実験を繰り返している。
Shinri o tsukamegan ga toki ni, kagaku-sha-tachi wa nichiyō jikken o kurikaeshi te iru.
For the purpose of seeking truth, scientists are repeating experiments day and night.
真理を究めんがために、実験を繰り返している。 (For the purpose of seeking truth, they are repeating experiments.)
Context
This pattern is used in highly formal or literary contexts to express a profound purpose or goal. It is often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular action or goal. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'n bakari ni' (as if/to the extent), which has a different meaning and usage.
Watch out
This is a common mistake, as 'shon-ga-tame-ni' is not a valid conjugation of 'suru'. The correct pattern is '動詞マス形+んがために'.
This pattern and 'n bakari ni' have different meanings and usages. 'n bakari ni' is used to express a degree or extent, whereas this pattern is used to express a profound purpose or goal.
This pattern is used in highly formal or literary contexts, so be careful not to mix it with more casual or informal language in the same sentence.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT N1 exam, be careful to recognize this pattern and use it correctly. Pay attention to the context and the words used around it, as it is often used in formal or literary language.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動詞ナイ形(「ない」を除く)+んがために(「する」は「せんがために」) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼は政権を奪取せんがために、あらゆる謀略を巡らせた。
Pattern used: んがために
'Sen ga tame ni' conveys the strong, calculating purpose in a formal historical context.
愛する家族を守らんがために、彼は危険な任務に就いた。
Pattern used: んがために
'N ga tame ni' emphasizes the weight and nobility of the purpose 'to protect family'.
真理を究めんがために、科学者たちは日夜実験を繰り返している。
Pattern used: んがために
'N ga tame ni' is used to express the ultimate objective of the scientists' pursuit.
Interactive
彼は政権を奪取せ______、あらゆる謀略を巡らせた。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.