-기 위해서
For the Sake of, In Order to
The patterns '-을/를 위해서' and '-기 위해서' mean 'for the sake of' or 'in order to'. They mark the reason or purpose behind an action. Use '-을/를 위해서' with nouns and '-기 위해서' with verbs.
How It Works
This grammar is used to clearly state the purpose or beneficiary of an action. It's slightly more formal than other purpose-related patterns like -러 or -려고 and is often used for more significant or long-term goals.
It has two main forms:
1. Noun + 을/를 위해서 (For the sake of [Noun])
This form indicates that the action is done for the benefit of a person, group, or concept.
- Use 을 위해서 after a noun ending in a consonant (받침).
Example: 가족을 위해서 (for the family) - Use 를 위해서 after a noun ending in a vowel.
Example: 건강을 위해서 (for health)
2. Verb Stem + -기 위해서 (In order to [Verb])
This form indicates that the action is done to achieve the goal described by the verb. The verb must first be turned into a noun form using the -기 nominalizer.
- The structure is always Verb Stem + -기 위해서.
Example: 한국어를 배우기 위해서 (in order to learn Korean)
In both spoken and written Korean, '-위해서' is often shortened to '-위해'. The meaning remains the same.
Example: 가족을 위해 일해요. (I work for my family.)
Examples (5)
- 가족을 위해서 열심히 일해요.
I work hard for my family.
Word by Word: family for hard work.
- 한국어를 배우기 위해서 한국에 왔어요.
I came to Korea in order to learn Korean.
Word by Word: Korean to learn in order to Korea to came.
- 건강을 위해서 매일 운동해요.
I exercise every day for my health.
Word by Word: health for every day exercise.
- 좋은 대학에 가기 위해서 밤늦게까지 공부했어요.
I studied until late at night in order to get into a good university.
Word by Word: good university to to go in order to night late until studied.
- 환경 보호를 위해 쓰레기를 줄여야 해요.
We must reduce trash for the sake of environmental protection.
Word by Word: environment protection for trash reduce must.
This example shows the common shortened form '위해' instead of '위해서'.
Common Mistakes
Using -기 위해서 with motion verbs when -러 is more natural for simple purposes.
Different Meaning점심을 먹기 위해서 식당에 가요.Better점심을 먹으러 식당에 가요.While '-기 위해서' can express purpose, for simple actions involving movement (like going somewhere to eat), -러 is much more common and natural. Reserve '-기 위해서' for more significant or formal goals.
Attaching -위해서 directly to a verb stem without the -기 nominalizer.
Not Quite한국어를 배우다 위해서 한국에 왔어요.Better한국어를 배우기 위해서 한국에 왔어요.The pattern '-위해서' attaches to nouns. To use it with a verb, you must first turn the verb into a noun form using the -기 nominalizer. The correct structure is always 'Verb Stem + -기 위해서'.
Learn This First
To express purpose with -기 위해서, you first need to understand the -기 nominalizer.
Related Patterns
- -(으)러In Order to
Both express purpose, but -러 is specifically used with verbs of motion (like 가다, 오다) for a direct, immediate purpose. '-기 위해서' is more general, often for larger goals, and can be used with any verb.
- -(으)려고In Order to, So That
Both mean 'in order to'. -려고 expresses an intention or plan and is very common in conversation. '-기 위해서' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the goal or beneficiary more strongly.
- 을/를Object Marker
The object particle is used before '-위해서' when the purpose is a noun. It marks the noun as the thing 'for the sake of which' the action is done.