For in Chinese: Meaning and Usage for HSK

This guide explains how “for” works in Chinese grammar. Instead of one direct translation, Chinese uses structures like 为, 给, 对, and 替 depending on context. You will learn correct usage, sentence patterns, common learner mistakes, and how these structures appear in HSK Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

I. Understanding “For” in Chinese 

In English, the word “for” appears in a variety of contexts: giving something to someone, doing something on behalf of someone, doing something for the purpose of a goal, or expressing feeling toward someone.

But in Chinese, there is no single direct equivalent to “for.” Instead, a range of different expressions are used, depending on the role “for” plays in the sentence. These include 给 (gěi), 为 (wèi), 为了 (wèile), 替 (tì), and 对 (duì). Each one carries different grammatical and semantic functions.

To use “for” correctly in Chinese, you need to focus on functional meaning, such as:

• Giving something to someone

• Doing something on someone’s behalf

• Making a decision for the benefit of someone

• Working or acting toward a goal or purpose

• Expressing emotions directed at someone

Because “for” is not purely a preposition in Chinese, choosing the wrong equivalent often leads to unnatural or even incorrect expressions. This is especially important when writing for exams like HSK or when communicating in formal settings.

1. Common Usage Patterns

Since “for” can express various meanings in English, Chinese uses different structures to reflect those meanings depending on purpose, recipient, or context. Mastering these patterns helps you avoid confusion and write/speak more naturally in Mandarin.

Sentence Patterns Using “For” in Chinese

Word Position in a Sentence

2. Similar or Confusing Words

Because English uses the word in a broad sense, learners often confuse several Chinese words that can all translate as “for” in specific contexts. 

为 (wèi) vs. 给 (gěi)

These both can express doing something “for someone,” but they differ in usage and tone.

• 为 focuses on

  • More formal or abstract

  • Used for causes, institutions, or when expressing motivation

  • Example: 我为公司工作。 (I work for the company.)

• 给 focuses on

  • More common in spoken Chinese

  • Used when the speaker gives or does something for someone personally

  • Example: 我给你打电话。 (I call you.)

给 (gěi) vs. 对 (duì)

These both reflect “directed toward someone,” but their functions differ.

• 给 is often used for

  • Associated with verbs like 送 (send), 写 (write), 买 (buy)

  • Example: 他给我写了一封信。 (He wrote me a letter.)

• 对 shows

  • Goes with verbs or adjectives of feeling, attitude, or relationship

  • Example: 她对我很好。 (She is good to me.)

为了 (wèile) vs. 替 (tì)

Both involve doing something “for” another, but the meaning is different.

• 为了 highlights

  • Equivalent to “in order to,” or “for the sake of”

  • Example: 为了孩子，他放弃了工作。 (For the sake of the child, he gave up his job.)

• 替 emphasizes

  • Often implies substitution or replacement

  • Example: 我替你参加了会议。 (I attended the meeting in your place.)

II. How “For” Structures Appear in HSK Exams

Understanding how “for” is expressed in Mandarin isn’t just useful for speaking—it has a direct impact on your HSK performance. Many test-takers lose points not because of vocabulary gaps, but because of misusing functional words like 给, 为, 为了, or 替 in the wrong context.

Listening Section

• You’ll often hear 为了 being used to explain intentions or goals behind actions.

  • Example heard: 为了上大学，他每天学习。

  • Question: What is the speaker’s goal?

• 给 may appear when someone offers or does something for someone else.

  • You should recognize who is benefiting, not just what’s happening.

Tip: Listen for particles and linking words—not just content nouns or verbs.

Reading Section

• Cloze questions may require choosing between similar words like 给、为、对.

  • Example: 他 ___ 妈妈写了一封信。
    A) 对 B) 给 C) 为 D) 替

  • Correct: B – 给

• Read carefully for intention vs. recipient-related actions.

Common trap: confusing 对 with 给, especially when verbs like 写、买、送 are used.

Writing Section

• Sentence reordering or fill-in-the-blank tasks may test your ability to select the correct structure.

  • Misplacing 给 or using 为了 redundantly is a typical mistake.

  • You're expected to write clearly whom the action benefits or what purpose it serves.

• Advanced writing tasks (HSK 4–5) might require expressing causes, reasons, or perspectives, where 为了 and 因为…所以… constructions are useful.

Tip: Practice forming purpose-based sentences using 为了 + result clause.

Speaking (HSKK)

• Many speaking prompts ask for reasoning or explanation:

  • Why do you do something?

  • Who is it for?

  • What would you do for your friend?

• Using the correct “for” phrase (like 为了健康, 给家人, 替同事) shows not just vocabulary but functional fluency.

Bonus: Overuse of 给 as a catch-all may mark you as underprepared at higher levels (HSK 4+), where variety and precision are important.

Grammatical structures for “for” appear in every part of the HSK exam cycle—from comprehension to expression. Learning when and why to use 给、为、为了、对 or 替 does more than avoid mistakes—it shows examiners you truly understand how Chinese works.

This guide by PREP has helped clarify how to use “for” in Chinese through words like 给, 为, 为了, 替, and 对. By understanding their meanings, sentence positions, and exam usage, you’ll avoid common mistakes and communicate with more accuracy. Keep reviewing with PREP to turn grammar into real, confident expression.