Understanding how to express “for what” in French is crucial for asking about reasons, purposes, and motivations. This seemingly simple phrase has several translations depending on the context and level of formality.
Mastering these nuances will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in French, whether you’re inquiring about the cause of an event, the reason behind an action, or the purpose of an object. This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners seeking basic phrases to advanced students aiming for more refined and natural expressions.
By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practice necessary to confidently use “for what” in various French conversations.
This article offers a structured approach to learning the different ways to say “for what” in French. We’ll cover the definitions, structural breakdowns, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and provide ample examples and practice exercises.
We’ll also address advanced topics and frequently asked questions to ensure a thorough understanding. Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or simply a language enthusiast, this guide will empower you to express yourself more accurately and fluently in French.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “For What” in French
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “For What” in French
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “For What” in French
The English phrase “for what” expresses a request for the reason, purpose, or cause behind an action, event, or situation. In French, there isn’t a single direct equivalent. Instead, the translation varies depending on the context. The most common translations include pourquoi (why), pour quoi (literally, for what), dans quel but (for what purpose), à quoi (what for, referring to things), and pour laquelle/lequel (for which). Each of these options carries slightly different connotations and is used in specific situations.
Pourquoi is generally used to ask “why” in a broad sense, inquiring about the reason or cause of something. Pour quoi is a more literal translation of “for what” and is used when you want to know the specific thing something is intended for. Dans quel but is a more formal way of asking “for what purpose,” emphasizing the intention behind the action. À quoi is used when referring to inanimate objects or situations and asks what something is used for or what the point of something is. Finally, Pour laquelle/lequel is used when referring to a specific noun (feminine/masculine) and asks for which one.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of these phrases is relatively straightforward, but understanding the placement of words and prepositions is essential. Let’s break down each phrase:
- Pourquoi: This is a single word that functions as an interrogative adverb. It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to ask a question. Example: Pourquoi pleures-tu? (Why are you crying?)
- Pour quoi: This consists of the preposition pour (for) followed by the interrogative pronoun quoi (what). It can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence, often with a slight difference in emphasis. Example: Pour quoi fais-tu cela? (For what are you doing that?) or Tu fais cela pour quoi? (You are doing that for what?)
- Dans quel but: This phrase includes the preposition dans (in), the interrogative adjective quel (what/which), and the noun but (purpose). It always appears at the beginning of a sentence. Example: Dans quel but as-tu acheté cette voiture? (For what purpose did you buy this car?)
- À quoi: This consists of the preposition à (to) and the interrogative pronoun quoi (what). It’s often used with verbs like servir (to be used for) or ressembler (to look like). Example: À quoi sert cet outil? (What is this tool used for?)
- Pour laquelle/lequel: This includes the preposition pour (for) and the relative pronoun laquelle/lequel (which one, feminine/masculine). Example: Pour laquelle de ces robes as-tu opté? (For which of these dresses did you opt?)
Types and Categories of “For What” in French
As mentioned earlier, the best translation of “for what” depends heavily on the context. Let’s delve deeper into each type and its specific use cases.
Pourquoi – Why
Pourquoi is the most common and versatile way to ask “why” in French. It’s used to inquire about the reason, cause, or explanation for something. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal settings.
Pour quoi – For What (Literal)
Pour quoi is a more literal translation of “for what.” It is used when you want to know the specific thing something is intended for. This phrase is less common than pourquoi and is often used for emphasis or clarification.
Dans quel but – For What Purpose
Dans quel but is a more formal and precise way of asking “for what purpose.” It emphasizes the intention or objective behind an action. This phrase is often used in professional or academic contexts.
À quoi – What For (Referring to Things)
À quoi is used to ask “what for” when referring to inanimate objects, situations, or abstract concepts. It’s often used with verbs like servir (to be used for), ressembler (to look like), or penser (to think). It inquires about the utility or purpose of something.
Pour laquelle/lequel – For Which
Pour laquelle/lequel is used to ask “for which” when referring to a specific noun (feminine/masculine). It’s used when you have a limited set of options and want to know which one is being referred to.
Examples
To illustrate the usage of each phrase, let’s look at some examples.
Pourquoi Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use “pourquoi” in different contexts. This is the most common way to ask “why” in French, suitable for various situations.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Pourquoi es-tu triste? | Why are you sad? |
| Pourquoi as-tu fait ça? | Why did you do that? |
| Pourquoi le ciel est-il bleu? | Why is the sky blue? |
| Pourquoi ne viens-tu pas avec nous? | Why aren’t you coming with us? |
| Pourquoi étudies-tu le français? | Why are you studying French? |
| Pourquoi as-tu acheté cette voiture? | Why did you buy this car? |
| Pourquoi est-ce que tu ris? | Why are you laughing? |
| Pourquoi le restaurant est-il fermé? | Why is the restaurant closed? |
| Pourquoi pleut-il aujourd’hui? | Why is it raining today? |
| Pourquoi as-tu changé d’avis? | Why did you change your mind? |
| Pourquoi portes-tu un manteau? | Why are you wearing a coat? |
| Pourquoi es-tu en retard? | Why are you late? |
| Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce livre? | Why did you choose this book? |
| Pourquoi es-tu si silencieux? | Why are you so quiet? |
| Pourquoi as-tu déménagé? | Why did you move? |
| Pourquoi es-tu fatigué? | Why are you tired? |
| Pourquoi as-tu vendu ta maison? | Why did you sell your house? |
| Pourquoi es-tu venu ici? | Why did you come here? |
| Pourquoi as-tu menti? | Why did you lie? |
| Pourquoi es-tu en colère? | Why are you angry? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si cher? | Why is it so expensive? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si difficile? | Why is it so difficult? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si important? | Why is it so important? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si loin? | Why is it so far? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si bruyant? | Why is it so noisy? |
| Pourquoi est-ce si calme? | Why is it so calm? |
Pour quoi Examples
This table shows examples of using “pour quoi,” which is a more literal translation of “for what.” It’s often used to emphasize the purpose or intended use of something.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Pour quoi faire? | What for? (For what to do?) |
| Pour quoi utilises-tu cet outil? | For what do you use this tool? |
| Pour quoi as-tu besoin de ça? | For what do you need that? |
| Tu as acheté ça pour quoi? | You bought that for what? |
| Pour quoi est-ce que tu te bats? | For what are you fighting? |
| Pour quoi travailles-tu si dur? | For what are you working so hard? |
| Pour quoi économises-tu de l’argent? | For what are you saving money? |
| Pour quoi as-tu besoin de mon aide? | For what do you need my help? |
| Pour quoi est-ce que tu t’inquiètes? | For what are you worried? |
| Pour quoi as-tu besoin de ce document? | For what do you need this document? |
| Pour quoi as-tu posé cette question? | For what did you ask this question? |
| Pour quoi as-tu fait ce sacrifice? | For what did you make this sacrifice? |
| Pour quoi as-tu quitté ton emploi? | For what did you quit your job? |
| Pour quoi as-tu voyagé si loin? | For what did you travel so far? |
| Pour quoi as-tu appris cette langue? | For what did you learn this language? |
| Pour quoi as-tu changé de carrière? | For what did you change your career? |
| Pour quoi as-tu investi cet argent? | For what did you invest this money? |
| Pour quoi as-tu risqué ta vie? | For what did you risk your life? |
| Pour quoi as-tu pardonné? | For what did you forgive? |
| Pour quoi as-tu espéré? | For what did you hope? |
| Pour quoi as-tu pleuré? | For what did you cry? |
| Pour quoi as-tu souri? | For what did you smile? |
| Pour quoi as-tu attendu? | For what did you wait? |
| Pour quoi as-tu cherché? | For what did you search? |
| Pour quoi as-tu crié? | For what did you shout? |
Dans quel but Examples
The following table provides examples of how to use “dans quel but,” which is a formal way of asking “for what purpose.” It emphasizes the intention behind an action and is often used in professional contexts.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Dans quel but as-tu fait cette proposition? | For what purpose did you make this proposal? |
| Dans quel but as-tu créé cette entreprise? | For what purpose did you create this company? |
| Dans quel but étudies-tu le droit? | For what purpose are you studying law? |
| Dans quel but as-tu écrit ce livre? | For what purpose did you write this book? |
| Dans quel but as-tu organisé cette réunion? | For what purpose did you organize this meeting? |
| Dans quel but as-tu collecté ces informations? | For what purpose did you collect this information? |
| Dans quel but as-tu voyagé à l’étranger? | For what purpose did you travel abroad? |
| Dans quel but as-tu créé ce site web? | For what purpose did you create this website? |
| Dans quel but as-tu investi dans cette action? | For what purpose did you invest in this stock? |
| Dans quel but as-tu rejoint cette organisation? | For what purpose did you join this organization? |
| Dans quel but as-tu suivi cette formation? | For what purpose did you take this training? |
| Dans quel but as-tu postulé à cet emploi? | For what purpose did you apply for this job? |
| Dans quel but as-tu contacté cette personne? | For what purpose did you contact this person? |
| Dans quel but as-tu mené cette enquête? | For what purpose did you conduct this investigation? |
| Dans quel but as-tu développé ce logiciel? | For what purpose did you develop this software? |
| Dans quel but as-tu mis en place ce système? | For what purpose did you set up this system? |
| Dans quel but as-tu rédigé ce rapport? | For what purpose did you write this report? |
| Dans quel but as-tu lancé cette campagne? | For what purpose did you launch this campaign? |
| Dans quel but as-tu innové dans ce domaine? | For what purpose did you innovate in this field? |
| Dans quel but as-tu collaboré avec cette équipe? | For what purpose did you collaborate with this team? |
| Dans quel but as-tu étudié ce phénomène? | For what purpose did you study this phenomenon? |
| Dans quel but as-tu participé à ce projet? | For what purpose did you participate in this project? |
| Dans quel but as-tu soutenu cette cause? | For what purpose did you support this cause? |
| Dans quel but as-tu créé cette association? | For what purpose did you create this association? |
| Dans quel but as-tu organisé cet événement? | For what purpose did you organize this event? |
À quoi Examples
This table shows examples of using “à quoi,” which is used to ask “what for” when referring to things, situations, or abstract concepts. It’s often used to inquire about the purpose or utility of something.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| À quoi sert cet outil? | What is this tool used for? |
| À quoi ressemble ta maison? | What does your house look like? |
| À quoi penses-tu? | What are you thinking about? |
| À quoi bon? | What’s the point? |
| À quoi ça sert? | What’s the use of that? |
| À quoi est-ce que ça sert? | What is that used for? |
| À quoi ça rime? | What’s the point of this? |
| À quoi bon insister? | What’s the point of insisting? |
| À quoi bon se plaindre? | What’s the point of complaining? |
| À quoi bon essayer? | What’s the point of trying? |
| À quoi ça sert de mentir? | What’s the point of lying? |
| À quoi ça sert de s’inquiéter? | What’s the point of worrying? |
| À quoi ça sert d’être riche? | What’s the point of being rich? |
| À quoi ça sert d’être célèbre? | What’s the point of being famous? |
| À quoi ça sert d’être intelligent? | What’s the point of being intelligent? |
| À quoi ça sert d’être beau? | What’s the point of being beautiful? |
| À quoi ça sert d’avoir peur? | What’s the point of being afraid? |
| À quoi ça sert de se fâcher? | What’s the point of getting angry? |
| À quoi ça sert de rêver? | What’s the point of dreaming? |
| À quoi ça sert d’espérer? | What’s the point of hoping? |
| À quoi ça sert de vivre? | What’s the point of living? |
| À quoi ça sert de mourir? | What’s the point of dying? |
| À quoi ça sert de travailler? | What’s the point of working? |
| À quoi ça sert d’étudier? | What’s the point of studying? |
| À quoi ça sert d’aimer? | What’s the point of loving? |
Pour laquelle/lequel Examples
This table provides examples of how to use “pour laquelle/lequel,” which is used to ask “for which” when referring to a specific noun (feminine/masculine). It’s used when you have a limited set of options and want to know which one is being referred to.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Pour laquelle de ces robes as-tu opté? | For which of these dresses did you opt? |
| Pour lequel de ces livres as-tu voté? | For which of these books did you vote? |
| Pour laquelle de ces raisons es-tu parti? | For which of these reasons did you leave? |
| Pour lequel de ces projets as-tu travaillé? | For which of these projects did you work? |
| Pour laquelle de ces options es-tu favorable? | For which of these options are you in favor? |
| Pour lequel de ces candidats as-tu donné ton vote? | For which of these candidates did you give your vote? |
| Pour laquelle de ces solutions es-tu prête à t’engager? | For which of these solutions are you ready to commit? |
| Pour lequel de ces chemins vas-tu choisir? | Which of these paths are you going to choose? |
| Pour laquelle de ces méthodes est-ce qu’on devrait opter? | For which of these methods should we opt? |
| Pour lequel de ces arguments est-ce que tu penches ? | Which of these arguments are you leaning towards? |
| Pour laquelle de ces causes te bats-tu? | For which of these causes are you fighting? |
| Pour lequel de ces buts travailles-tu? | For which of these goals are you working? |
| Pour laquelle de ces questions as-tu une réponse? | For which of these questions do you have an answer? |
| Pour lequel de ces problèmes cherches-tu une solution? | For which of these problems are you looking for a solution? |
| Pour laquelle de ces personnes éprouves-tu de la sympathie? | For which of these people do you feel sympathy? |
| Pour lequel de ces animaux as-tu de l’affection? | For which of these animals do you have affection? |
| Pour laquelle de ces villes aimerais-tu voyager? | For which of these cities would you like to travel? |
| Pour lequel de ces pays souhaites-tu immigrer? | For which of these countries do you wish to immigrate? |
| Pour laquelle de ces marques as-tu une préférence? | For which of these brands do you have a preference? |
| Pour lequel de ces modèles as-tu décidé d’acheter ? | For which of these models have you decided to buy? |
| Pour laquelle de ces matières as-tu le plus de difficultés? | Which of these subjects do you have the most difficulty with? |
| Pour lequel de ces sports es-tu le plus doué? | Which of these sports are you most talented at? |
Usage Rules
Understanding the nuances of each phrase is essential for accurate usage. Here are the usage rules for each option.
Pourquoi Usage Rules
Pourquoi is the most straightforward. It is used at the beginning of a question to ask for the reason or cause of something. It can be followed directly by a verb or by “est-ce que” for a more formal tone. It is suitable for nearly all situations where you want to ask “why”.
Pour quoi Usage Rules
Pour quoi is used to ask about the specific purpose or intended use of something. It can be placed at the beginning or end of the sentence, although placing it at the end is more informal. Pay attention to the word order when using this phrase.
Dans quel but Usage Rules
Dans quel but is a formal phrase and should be used in professional or academic contexts. It always appears at the beginning of the sentence and is followed by the verb and subject. It emphasizes the intention or objective behind an action.
À quoi Usage Rules
À quoi is used when referring to inanimate objects, situations, or abstract concepts. It is often used with verbs like servir (to be used for), ressembler (to look like), or penser (to think). It inquires about the utility or purpose of something. Be mindful of the preposition “à” and its contractions with articles (e.g., “à le” becomes “au”).
Pour laquelle/lequel Usage Rules
Pour laquelle/lequel is used when referring to a specific noun (feminine/masculine). It is used when you have a limited set of options and want to know which one is being referred to. Make sure to use the correct form (laquelle for feminine nouns, lequel for masculine nouns) and that the noun is clearly defined.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using pourquoi in all situations, even when pour quoi, dans quel but, or à quoi would be more appropriate. For example, saying “Pourquoi sert cet outil?” is incorrect; the correct phrase is “À quoi sert cet outil?”. Another mistake is confusing laquelle and lequel. Remember to use laquelle for feminine nouns and lequel for masculine nouns.
Another common error is incorrect word order, especially with pour quoi. Make sure the sentence structure is correct, depending on whether you place pour quoi at the beginning or the end of the sentence. Also, avoid using dans quel but in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pourquoi tu utilises cet outil? | Pour quoi utilises-tu cet outil? or À quoi sert cet outil? | Using pourquoi when referring to the purpose of a tool is incorrect. |
| Pour quoi est-ce que tu as fait? | Pourquoi est-ce que tu as fait ça? | Pourquoi is more appropriate for asking about the reason for an action. |
| Dans quel but tu viens? | Dans quel but viens-tu? | Incorrect word order with dans quel but. |
| À quoi tu penses de? | À quoi penses-tu? | The preposition “de” is unnecessary. |
| Pour lequel de ces filles as-tu voté? | Pour laquelle de ces filles as-tu voté? | Using lequel (masculine) instead of laquelle (feminine) for “filles.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct option
Select the correct phrase to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| ______ es-tu en colère? | a) Pour quoi b) Pourquoi c) À quoi | b) Pourquoi |
| ______ sert cet appareil? | a) Pour quoi b) Pourquoi c) À quoi | c) À quoi |
| ______ as-tu créé cette association? | a) Pourquoi b) Dans quel but c) Pour quoi | b) Dans quel but |
| Tu fais ça ______? | a) pourquoi b) à quoi c) pour quoi | c) pour quoi |
| ______ de ces chaussures préfères-tu? | a) Pour quoi b) Pour laquelle c) Pourquoi | b) Pour laquelle |
| ______ est-ce que tu pleures? | a) À quoi b) Pourquoi c) Pour quoi | b) Pourquoi |
| ______ as-tu besoin de cet argent? | a) Pourquoi b) Pour quoi c) Dans quel but | b) Pour quoi |
| ______ as-tu démissionné? | a) Pourquoi b) À quoi c) Dans quel but | a) Pourquoi |
| ______ vas-tu utiliser cette machine? | a) À quoi b) Pour quoi c) Pourquoi | b) Pour quoi |
| ______ de ces options est la meilleure? | a) Pour lequel b) Pourquoi c) À quoi | a) Pour lequel |
Exercise 2: Translate the sentences
Translate the following sentences into French, using the appropriate phrase for “for what.”
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Why are you laughing? | Pourquoi ris-tu? |
| What is this used for? | À quoi sert ceci? |
| For what purpose did you write this letter? | Dans quel but as-tu écrit cette lettre? |
| What are you doing that for? | Tu fais ça pour quoi? |
| For which of these reasons did you decide to leave? | Pour laquelle de ces raisons as-tu décidé de partir? |
| Why did you choose this career? | Pourquoi as-tu choisi cette carrière? |
| What’s the point of worrying? | À quoi bon s’inquiéter? |
| For what did you sacrifice everything? | Pour quoi as-tu tout sacrifié? |
| For which of these books is he looking? | Pour lequel de ces livres cherche-t-il? |
| For what purpose did you start this project? | Dans quel but as-tu commencé ce projet? |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate French phrase (pourquoi, pour quoi, dans quel but, à quoi, pour laquelle/lequel).
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| ______ étudies-tu la médecine? | Pourquoi |
| ______ sert cette application? | À quoi |
| ______ as-tu créé cette chaîne YouTube? | Dans quel but |
| Tu as besoin de ça ______? | pour quoi |
| ______ de ces films veux-tu voir? | Lequel |
| ______ es-tu si triste aujourd’hui? | Pourquoi |
| ______ as-tu besoin de mon aide? | Pour quoi |
| ______ as-tu changé d’emploi? | Pourquoi |
| ______ vas-tu utiliser ce marteau? | Pour quoi |
| ______ de ces options est la plus viable? | Laquelle |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of register and formality, as well as the subtle differences in meaning, can further refine their language skills.
Register and Formality
The choice between pourquoi, pour quoi, and dans quel but often depends on the level of formality required in the situation. Pourquoi is generally suitable for most situations, while dans quel but is reserved for formal settings. Pour quoi can be used in both casual and slightly more formal contexts, but using it at the end of the sentence makes it more informal.
Consider the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Using dans quel but with a close friend might sound overly formal and even humorous. Conversely, using pourquoi in a formal presentation might not convey the level of seriousness required.
Subtle Nuances in Meaning
While all these phrases essentially ask “for what,” they each carry slightly different connotations. Pourquoi focuses on the reason or cause, pour quoi emphasizes the purpose or intended use, dans quel but highlights the intention or objective, à quoi inquires about the utility or function, and pour laquelle/lequel specifies which one from a set of options. Understanding these subtle differences will allow you to choose the most appropriate phrase for the message you want to convey.
For example, consider the difference between asking “Pourquoi as-tu acheté cette voiture?” (Why did you buy this car?) and “Pour quoi as-tu acheté cette voiture?” (For what did you buy this car?). The first question asks for the general reason, while the second implies that you want to know the specific purpose for which the car was bought (e.g., commuting, family trips, etc.).
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about saying “for what” in French.
- Is pourquoi always the best translation for “why”?
While pourquoi is the most common and versatile translation for “why,” it’s not always the best choice. In some contexts, pour quoi
is more appropriate to emphasize the purpose. For instance, instead of asking “Pourquoi tu utilises cette machine?” (Why do you use this machine?), you might ask “Pour quoi utilises-tu cette machine?” (For what do you use this machine?) to specifically inquire about its purpose.
- When should I use dans quel but?
Use dans quel but in formal situations when you want to emphasize the intention or objective behind an action. This phrase is often used in professional or academic contexts.
- How do I know when to use à quoi?
Use à quoi when referring to inanimate objects, situations, or abstract concepts. It’s often used with verbs like servir (to be used for), ressembler (to look like), or penser (to think). For instance, “À quoi sert cet outil?” (What is this tool used for?).
- What’s the difference between laquelle and lequel?
Laquelle is the feminine form, and lequel is the masculine form. Use laquelle when referring to a feminine noun and lequel when referring to a masculine noun. For example, “Pour laquelle de ces robes as-tu opté?” (For which of these dresses did you opt?) and “Pour lequel de ces livres as-tu voté?” (For which of these books did you vote?).
- Can I use pour quoi at the end of a sentence?
Yes, you can use pour quoi at the end of a sentence, but it’s less formal. For instance, “Tu fais ça pour quoi?” (You’re doing that for what?).
Conclusion
Mastering the various ways to say “for what” in French requires understanding the nuances of each phrase and its appropriate context. While pourquoi is the most versatile option, pour quoi, dans quel but, à quoi, and pour laquelle/lequel each have specific uses that can add precision and depth to your communication. By studying the definitions, structural breakdowns, examples, and usage rules provided in this guide, you can confidently choose the most suitable phrase for any situation. Practice the exercises and be mindful of common mistakes to further enhance your fluency and accuracy. With dedication and attention to detail, you’ll be well-equipped to express “for what” in French with confidence and finesse.