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Daily used word (top 300)
Translation
For what purpose?" or "What for? also Why?
Think of зачем as focusing on future-oriented reasoning, looking for intent or purpose.
Example: Заче́м ты э́то сде́лал? - Why did you do this?
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 цвето́к?Why did you buy a flower?
- Зачем проси́ть меня? Не лу́чше ли будет, если ты сам э́то сде́лаешь?Why ask me? Wouldn't it be better to do it yourself?
- Мне нужно его уви́деть. - "Зачем?"I have to see him. "Why?"
- Зачем ты э́то сде́лал?Why did you do this?
- Зачем ты был там?Why were you there?
- Зачем ты хоте́ла меня ви́деть?Why did you want to see me?
- Зачем тебе ме́лочь?Why do you need change?
- Зачем ты совра́л?Why did you lie?
- Зачем Вы прие́хали в Япо́нию?Why did you come to Japan?
- Зачем Вы купи́ли цветы́?Why did you buy flowers?
Contributions
Singolin edited usage info 1 year ago.
