Dictionary
Learn
MediaDaily 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
- Вот зачем они у́чат англи́йский.That is what they study English for.
- Зачем тебе э́ти де́ньги?What do you need this money for?
- Зачем Вы прие́хали в Япо́нию?Why did you come to Japan?
- Зачем вы хоте́ли меня ви́деть?Why did you want to see me?
- Зачем ты купи́л тако́й дорогой слова́рь?Why did you buy such an expensive dictionary?
- Зачем Мэри идет на пикник с ним?Why is Mary going with him to the picnic?
- Не зна́ю, зачем я утружда́юсь повторе́нием свои́х слов.I don't know why I bother repeating myself.
- Не понима́ю, зачем тебе э́то.I don't understand why you want it.
- Зачем?Why?
- Зачем ты хоте́л меня ви́деть?Why did you want to see me?
Contributions
Singolin edited usage info 8 months ago.
