HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#35
Expressing “For” with “wèi”
为
How it works
为 (wèi) means “for” or “for the sake of.” It is more formal than 给 (gěi) and is often used in written or serious spoken Chinese.
It often introduces:
purpose
beneficiary
reason
target of action
The pattern
为 (wèi) + Noun / Person / Purpose
Example sentences
我们必须为自己的决定负责，而不是把责任推给别人。
We must be responsible for our own decisions instead of pushing the responsibility onto others.
他努力工作，不只是为自己，也是为家人。
He works hard not only for himself, but also for his family.
这次活动主要是为新员工准备的。
This event was mainly prepared for new employees.
Key point
为 (wèi) often sounds more formal, abstract, or serious than everyday 给 (gěi).