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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 нужны́ друзья́?What are friends for?
- Зачем ты де́лаешь э́то?Why are you doing this?
- Зачем?Why?
- Зачем ей пона́добилось посыла́ть за ним?Why did she need to send for him?
- Зачем ограни́чивать себя только одной?Why limit yourself to just one?
- Не понима́ю, зачем тебе э́то.I don't understand why you want it.
- Зачем ты передра́зниваешь Мэри?Why are you miming Mary?
- Зачем ты хоте́л меня ви́деть?Why did you want to see me?
- Зачем тебе ну́жен но́вый зонт?Why do you need a new umbrella?
- Я не зна́ю, зачем я э́то сде́лал.I don't know why I did that.
Contributions
Singolin edited usage info 1 year ago.
