15초 만에
- Doing something for the symbolic value alone.
- Prioritizing the abstract concept over practical results.
- A slightly intellectual way to justify whimsical actions.
뜻
This phrase describes doing something just for the sake of the concept or the symbolic idea. It is used when the action itself might be useless, but the thought behind it matters.
주요 예문
3 / 6Buying an expensive book you won't read
Je l'ai acheté juste pour la notion.
I bought it just for the notion.
Ordering a healthy drink at a party
Je prends un jus détox, c'est pour la notion.
I'm having a detox juice, it's for the notion.
Explaining a symbolic gesture in a meeting
Nous maintenons cette tradition pour la notion de continuité.
We are keeping this tradition for the notion of continuity.
문화적 배경
In cities like Paris or Lyon, 'pour la notion' is a staple of 'hipster' or 'bobo' (bourgeois-bohemian) culture. It's used to justify expensive or impractical choices with a wink. In Quebec, the phrase is understood but less common than 'pour le trip' or 'pour le fun.' However, younger Quebecers influenced by French YouTubers are starting to use it. Many French rappers use 'la notion' to refer to their understanding of the 'street' or 'the game.' It carries a more serious weight here, meaning 'having the right mindset.' In Francophone Africa, 'notion' often retains its more formal meaning of 'knowledge' or 'basics.' Using 'pour la notion' ironically might be misunderstood as 'for the sake of education.'
Use 'Juste'
Adding 'juste' before 'pour la notion' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for everything, you might sound a bit superficial or 'too cool'.
15초 만에
- Doing something for the symbolic value alone.
- Prioritizing the abstract concept over practical results.
- A slightly intellectual way to justify whimsical actions.
What It Means
Ever done something just because the idea of it felt right? That is exactly what pour la notion captures. It is about the abstract concept rather than the result. You are not looking for a concrete reward here. You are just honoring the thought behind the action. It is like buying a vintage camera you cannot use. You do it for the concept of being a photographer.
How To Use It
You usually drop this phrase at the end of a sentence. It explains why you are doing something seemingly useless. Use it with the verb faire or acheter. For example, Je l'ai fait pour la notion. It sounds a bit intellectual and very French. It shows you value the "why" more than the "what." Use it to justify your more whimsical or abstract choices.
When To Use It
Use it when you are being a bit of a dreamer. It works great when discussing art or philosophy. It is perfect for those small, symbolic gestures in life. Maybe you buy a single rose for yourself. Or you attend a lecture on a topic you hate. You are there pour la notion of learning. It is a very "Parisian cafe" kind of phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in high-stakes professional environments. Your boss wants results, not "notions." Do not use it when explaining a serious mistake. "I crashed the car for the notion" will not work. It is too lighthearted for heavy legal or medical contexts. Keep it for the whimsical parts of your life. It can sound a bit pretentious if used too often.
Cultural Background
The French culture deeply respects intellectual exploration. Sometimes, the idea of a thing is better than the thing. This phrase reflects that love for the abstract. It became more common in creative circles recently. It feels like a nod to 20th-century existentialism. It is about finding meaning in the meaningless. It celebrates the philosopher inside everyone.
Common Variations
The most common cousin is pour le principe. That one is much more stubborn and firm. You also have pour la forme, which is about etiquette. If you want something more casual, try pour le délire. But pour la notion stays in that sweet, intellectual spot. It is the choice of the modern thinker.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is perfect for justifying non-practical, symbolic actions. It sits in a neutral register but carries a slightly intellectual or 'artsy' tone.
Use 'Juste'
Adding 'juste' before 'pour la notion' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for everything, you might sound a bit superficial or 'too cool'.
The 'Bobo' vibe
This phrase is the ultimate 'Bobo' (Bourgeois-Bohemian) expression. Use it when talking about art, coffee, or fashion.
예시
6Je l'ai acheté juste pour la notion.
I bought it just for the notion.
The speaker likes the idea of owning the book more than reading it.
Je prends un jus détox, c'est pour la notion.
I'm having a detox juice, it's for the notion.
A humorous way to say they are pretending to be healthy.
Nous maintenons cette tradition pour la notion de continuité.
We are keeping this tradition for the notion of continuity.
Used here to justify a symbolic corporate practice.
On devrait aller au Japon demain, juste pour la notion !
We should go to Japan tomorrow, just for the notion!
Suggesting something impossible just because the idea is cool.
Je garde cette lettre pour la notion de ce qu'on était.
I'm keeping this letter for the notion of what we were.
Reflects on the symbolic value of a memory.
Elle a pris la photo pour la notion, puis elle est partie.
She took the photo for the notion, then she left.
Critiquing someone who cares only about the image/concept.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best situation to use 'pour la notion'.
Why did you buy that vintage typewriter that doesn't even work?
Buying a non-functional item for its aesthetic or conceptual value is a perfect 'pour la notion' moment.
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
On a mis des costumes de pingouins pour la fête, juste ______.
The fixed phrase is 'pour la notion'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi tu as pris un billet de train en première classe ? B: ______.
B is justifying a luxury purchase for the 'concept' or 'vibe' of traveling in style.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Doing something for the 'vibe' or 'aesthetic'.
'Pour la notion' is the best fit for vibes and aesthetics.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Why did you buy that vintage typewriter that doesn't even work?
Buying a non-functional item for its aesthetic or conceptual value is a perfect 'pour la notion' moment.
On a mis des costumes de pingouins pour la fête, juste ______.
The fixed phrase is 'pour la notion'.
A: Pourquoi tu as pris un billet de train en première classe ? B: ______.
B is justifying a luxury purchase for the 'concept' or 'vibe' of traveling in style.
Doing something for the 'vibe' or 'aesthetic'.
'Pour la notion' is the best fit for vibes and aesthetics.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
5 질문No, it's not rude, but it is informal and can be perceived as slightly ironic or self-centered depending on the context.
Probably not. It implies you do things for symbolic reasons rather than practical results, which isn't usually what employers want to hear.
'Pour le fun' is about enjoyment. 'Pour la notion' is about the abstract idea or the image of the action.
It's most common in France. In other countries, it's understood but might sound very 'Parisian'.
No, the phrase is fixed as 'pour la notion'.
관련 표현
Pour la forme
similarFor the sake of appearances/protocol.
Pour le principe
similarOut of principle.
Pour le délire
synonymFor the fun/madness of it.
Faire acte de présence
builds onTo show up just to be seen.
