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Japanese grammar

What does ～。そのために、～ mean? Japanese grammar N3

～。そのために、～ means for that purpose; as a result of that (conjunction).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N3
StructureSentence A。そのために、sentence B
Romaji.sonotameni,
Meaningfor that purpose; as a result of that (conjunction)

Forming it

Cause事故があった。そのために、電車が遅れた。
Purpose合格したい。そのために、毎日勉強する。

How to use it

A conjunction at the start of the following sentence: takes what was just said as the PURPOSE (or cause) of what comes next.

  • 「そのために」 = because of that. 「その」 refers back to the previous sentence, so there must be a preceding sentence: 「試験に合格したい。そのために、毎日勉強している」.
  • There are two nuances: PURPOSE (wanting A, so doing B) and CAUSE (because of A, B happened). Distinguish by whether the previous sentence is a wish or an already-completed event.
  • To combine into ONE sentence, use 「～ために」: 「合格するために毎日勉強している」.

Examples

  • I want to pass the exam. To that end, I study three hours every day.

  • There was an accident at the station. Because of that, the train was 30 minutes late.

Keep in mind

  • Placed at the start of the following sentence and requires a 「、」.
  • Cannot be used without a preceding sentence for 「その」 to refer back to.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong今日(きょう)はいい天気(てんき)です。そのために、毎日(まいにち)三(さん)時間(じかん)勉強(べんきょう)しています。

    The weather is nice today. Therefore, I study three hours every day.

    Correct試験(しけん)に合格(ごうかく)したい。そのために、毎日(まいにち)三(さん)時間(じかん)勉強(べんきょう)しています。

    「その」 must refer to a previously stated sentence that reasonably provides a PURPOSE/CAUSE; here the previous sentence (nice weather) has no causal relationship to studying, so 「そのために」 is misused.

  • Wrong合格(ごうかく)したいそのために勉強(べんきょう)する。

    I study in order to pass.

    Correct合格(ごうかく)するために勉強(べんきょう)する。

    To combine into one sentence, use 「～ために」, not 「そのために」.

Exam tips

  • 「そのために」 = because of what was just said (connects sentences); to combine into one sentence use 「～ために」.

Related patterns

All N3 grammar →