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заче́м

daily used (#232)B1
  • 1.

    For what purpose?" or "What for? also Why?

    Заче́м ты э́то сде́лал?

    Why did you do this?

    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

Typical usagePRO

  • Asking purpose directly

    • заче́м?

      What for?

    • заче́м э́то де́лать?

      Why do this?

    • заче́м ты э́то сде́лал?

      Why did you do that?

  • With dative: who needs it?

    • заче́м тебе́ э́то?

      What do you need this for?

    • заче́м мне учи́ть латы́нь?

      Why should I study Latin?

    • заче́м ему́ маши́на?

      What does he need a car for?

  • Focus and discourse particles

    • А заче́м?

      But why?

    • заче́м и́менно ...?

      Why exactly ...?

    • заче́м вообще́ ...?

      Why ... at all?

    • заче́м же ...?

      So why then ...?

LockedUnlock typical usages

Word familyзаче́мPRO

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Contributions

  • Singolin edited usage info 1 year ago.
  • Singolin edited usage info 1 year ago.
  • Singolin edited usage info 1 year ago.
  • Singolin edited translation and usage info 1 year ago.

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