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JLPT N3 · Reason & cause

には (ni wa)

～には — in order to ～

In short · After a verb dictionary form, には means “in order to do ～, (it is necessary / important ～).” It states a purpose, and the second half gives what is needed, important or effective. It cannot be followed by an intention or a command.
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Pattern

  • 動詞辞書形＋には verb dictionary form + には + necessary condition (合格するには)

Meaning and use

It is ためには with ため dropped: a purpose marker plus the topic は. As in 試験に合格するには、毎日の勉強が必要だ, it states the condition or method for reaching the goal. The second half often has 必要だ, 大切だ, 〜といい or かかる.

Compared with ために

After ために an intentional action follows (合格するために、勉強する). After には, an explanation of the required condition or method follows. Do not put a will statement like 勉強しよう after には. It works in both written and spoken Japanese.

Examples

  • 試験（しけん）に合格（ごうかく）するには、毎日（まいにち）の勉強（べんきょう）が必要（ひつよう）だ。

    Shiken ni gōkaku suru ni wa, mainichi no benkyō ga hitsuyō da.

    To pass the exam, daily study is necessary.

    The goal is passing; the second half says what is needed.

  • 元気（げんき）に暮（く）らすには、よく眠（ねむ）ることが大切（たいせつ）だ。

    Genki ni kurasu ni wa, yoku nemuru koto ga taisetsu da.

    In order to live in good health, sleeping well is important.

    Followed by 大切だ.

  • この魚（さかな）をおいしく焼（や）くには、強（つよ）い火（ひ）が必要（ひつよう）だ。

    Kono sakana o oishiku yaku ni wa, tsuyoi hi ga hitsuyō da.

    To grill this fish deliciously, you need a strong flame.

    Goal and method.

Common mistakes

  • The verb before it is always the dictionary form: × 合格したには, ○ 合格するには.
  • No intention or command afterward: × 合格するには、勉強しよう. End with 必要だ, 大切だ and the like.

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