HSK 2
为
wèi
The preposition "为" (wèi) indicating purpose or beneficiary
Explanation
为 (wèi) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to show a relationship) used to state the PURPOSE or the TARGET that an action is directed toward, translated as "for, on behalf of, in order to."
(Subject) + 为 (wèi) + noun/noun phrase + verb. For example 为健康干杯 (raise a toast for health), 为你高兴 (be happy for you). What follows 为 is the person or thing toward which the feeling/action is directed.
when offering a toast, expressing feelings on someone's behalf, or stating the reason/purpose of an action.
(1) Misreading the tone: in this "for" meaning it is read wèi (4th tone); while 为 read wéi (2nd tone) carries the meaning "to be, to do," which is completely different. (2) Placing the 为... phrase after the verb; correctly, 为 + target must come before the verb (高兴 comes after). (3) Confusing 为 with 为了 (wèile); 为了 usually opens a sentence stating the purpose of the whole action (为了健康，他每天跑步), while 为 often goes with feelings/toasts.
Examples
A toast to everyone's health!
We are all happy for your good results.
Practice
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Learn “为” effectively
The grammar point “为” (The preposition "为" (wèi) indicating purpose or beneficiary) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.