〜のに
JLPT N3:for (doing)
"For X-ing" or "to X": gives what something is used for, or what it takes to do something.
How to form it
- Put the verb in the dictionary form and add のに: 料理するのに使う (used for cooking).
- After a noun, use に: 料理に使う.
- The second half usually says what is used, needed or how long it takes: 使う, 必要だ, 便利だ, かかる.
Examples
この機械は何をするのに使いますか。
What is this machine used for?
東京に行くのに、三時間かかる。
It takes three hours to get to Tokyo.
Notes
- 〜ために gives the goal of a deliberate action. のに gives what something serves for, or what doing it costs.
Common mistakes
- Confusing it with のに meaning "even though".
Similar meaning
- 〜ためにin order to
"In order to": the goal of a deliberate action.
Same form, different meaning
- 〜のにeven though
The same のに after a finished event or state means "even though".