Daily used word (top 300)
Translation
For what purpose?" or "What for? also Why?
Example: Заче́м ты э́то сде́лал? - Why did you do this?
Info: Think of зачем as focusing on future-oriented reasoning, looking for intent or purpose.
Usage info
Difference in usage between "заче́м & почему́": Think of зачем as focusing on future-oriented reasoning, looking for intent or purpose. Think of почему as focusing on past or present circumstances, looking for an explanation of a cause. Reply with что́бы or зате́м, что́бы.
Examples
- Зачем ты купи́л тако́й дорогой слова́рь?Why did you buy such an expensive dictionary?
- Зачем ты купи́л цвето́к?Why did you buy a flower?
- Зачем Мэри идет на пикник с ним?Why is Mary going with him to the picnic?
- Зачем ты передра́зниваешь Мэри?Why are you miming Mary?
- Я не зна́ю, зачем я э́то сде́лал.I don't know why I did that.
- Зачем тебе ме́лочь?Why do you need change?
- Зачем тебе ну́жен но́вый зонт?Why do you need a new umbrella?
- Тот, кто зна́ет, зачем он у́чится, у́чится лу́чше.He who knows why he learns, learns better.
- Зачем?Why?
- Зачем он сюда пришёл?Why did he come here?
Contributions
Singolin edited usage info 5 months ago.
Singolin edited usage info 5 months ago.
Singolin edited usage info 5 months ago.
Singolin edited translation and usage info 5 months ago.