Dictionary
Learn
Media
SettingsDaily 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 руче́й без жгу́чей жа́жды?» — спра́шивает в своём стихотворе́нии Аркадий Кулешов.‘What is the brook without burning thirst for?’, Arkadź Kulašoŭ asks in his verse.
- Зачем ты у́чишься ка́ждый день?Why do you study every day?
- Зачем ты купи́л тако́й дорогой слова́рь?Why did you buy such an expensive dictionary?
- Я не зна́ю, зачем я э́то сде́лал.I don't know why I did that.
- Зачем нужны́ друзья́?What are friends for?
- Мне нужно его уви́деть. - "Зачем?"I have to see him. "Why?"
- Зачем она здесь?Why is she here?
- Зачем тебе э́ти де́ньги?What do you need this money for?
- Зачем ты купи́л цвето́к?Why did you buy a flower?
- Вот зачем они у́чат англи́йский.That is what they study English for.
Contributions
Singolin edited usage info 5 months ago.
