???? What is this grammar?
〜んがため（に） is a very formal, literary expression meaning:
- “In order to…”
- “For the purpose of…”
It expresses a strong, deliberate intention to achieve something.
Used in serious writing, speeches, and official documents.
???? Structure
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (nai-form) + んがため（に） | 勝たんがため（に） | In order to win |
Notes:
- Drop the 「ない」 from the negative form and add 「んがため」
- する → せんがため（に）
(classical form of “する”)
???? Meaning in Context
Used when:
- Expressing a clear, strong purpose
- Describing something done with all effort focused on a specific goal
- In contexts requiring formal, high-level language
English equivalents:
- “In order to…”
- “For the sake of…”
- “For the purpose of achieving…”
???? Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 合格せんがため、一生懸命勉強した。 | I studied hard in order to pass. |
| 優勝せんがため、選手たちは全力を尽くした。 | The players gave their best in order to win the championship. |
| 真実を明らかにせんがため、彼は記者会見を開いた。 | In order to reveal the truth, he held a press conference. |
| 国を守らんがため、兵士たちは戦った。 | The soldiers fought to protect their country. |
| 夢を実現せんがため、彼は日本へ留学した。 | He studied abroad in Japan to make his dream come true. |
???? Nuances & Tone
- Highly formal and literary — rarely used in conversation
- Stronger and more classical than 〜べく
- Often seen in:
- Newspaper editorials
- Historical novels
- Ceremonial speeches
- Official statements
It conveys determination and focus toward achieving a serious goal.
???? Comparison with Similar Patterns
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 〜ために | In order to | General, neutral |
| 〜べく | In order to | Formal, deliberate |
| 〜んがため | In order to | Very formal, classical, strong intention |
| 〜ことによって | By means of | Focus on method |
Example:
- 合格するために、勉強する。→ normal
- 合格すべく、勉強する。→ formal
- 合格せんがため、勉強する。→ very formal, literary
✅ Practice Exercise
Translate into Japanese using ～んがため:
- In order to protect peace, people took action.
- In order to survive, he made a difficult decision.
- In order to fulfill his duty, he worked without rest.
Possible Answers:
- 平和を守らんがため、人々は行動を起こした。
- 生き残らんがため、彼は苦渋の決断を下した。
- 任務を果たさんがため、彼は休まず働いた。
???? Summary Table
| Grammar | ～んがため（に） |
|---|---|
| Meaning | In order to, for the purpose of |
| Structure | Verb (nai-form) + んがため（に） |
| Nuance | Very formal, literary, strong intention |
| Usage | Ceremonial writing, official documents, literature |
???? Pro Tip:
You’ll most likely find this in:
- N1 reading comprehension questions
- Historical books
- Formal announcements
- Editorials or essays
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