Meaning
Used to indicate purpose, recipient, or duration.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'C'est pour offrir ?' is a standard courtesy in French retail. It implies that the item is a gift, and the shopkeeper will often wrap it beautifully in 'papier cadeau' with a ribbon. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est pour ça que' used very frequently, sometimes where European French might use 'C'est pourquoi'. It is a robust part of the local syntax. In many West African French-speaking countries, 'pour' is used with extra emphasis to show strong intention or dedication to a cause or person. Belgian French uses 'pour' in much the same way as France, but you might notice it in specific administrative contexts regarding durations of stay or work permits.
The Infinitive Rule
Never use '-ant' after 'pour'. It's always 'pour faire', never 'pour faisant'.
Time Trap
Don't use 'pour' for how long you *did* something. That's 'pendant'.
Meaning
Used to indicate purpose, recipient, or duration.
The Infinitive Rule
Never use '-ant' after 'pour'. It's always 'pour faire', never 'pour faisant'.
Time Trap
Don't use 'pour' for how long you *did* something. That's 'pendant'.
Paying the Bill
Say 'C'est pour moi' to tell your friends you are treating them to dinner.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'pour' and the correct form of the verb 'manger'.
Je vais au restaurant ___.
After 'pour', you must use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence correctly expresses that a gift is for a friend?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Pour' is used to indicate the recipient of a gift.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'C'est pour trois nuits.'
'Pour' followed by a duration is used for future plans like hotel stays.
Complete the dialogue.
Serveur: 'C'est pour emporter ?' Client: 'Non, c'est ___.'
'Pour ici' is the standard opposite of 'pour emporter' in a cafe.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Pour vs Pendant
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais au restaurant ___.
After 'pour', you must use the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Pour' is used to indicate the recipient of a gift.
Sentence: 'C'est pour trois nuits.'
'Pour' followed by a duration is used for future plans like hotel stays.
Serveur: 'C'est pour emporter ?' Client: 'Non, c'est ___.'
'Pour ici' is the standard opposite of 'pour emporter' in a cafe.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsMostly, but it also means 'to' when expressing 'in order to'.
Yes, but it's more common at the beginning for emphasis: 'Pour moi, c'est non.'
'Afin de' is just a formal version of 'pour' when followed by a verb.
Because 'pour' looks forward to a goal or intent. For the past, the time is just a fact, so we use 'pendant'.
Yes, 'C'est trois euros pour le lot.'
Yes, 'pour que' means 'so that' and requires the subjunctive mood.
It is neutral. It's used in every context from slang to legal documents.
That's 'par exemple', not 'pour exemple'. This is a common exception!
No, that would be 'au lieu de'.
No. It stays 'pour le'.
It's an informal way to say 'for real' or 'honestly'.
Absolutely. 'Pour réussir, il faut travailler.'
Yes, 'Le train pour Lyon'.
In the sense of opinion, it's 'contre' (against).
Related Phrases
afin de
synonymin order to
pour que
builds onso that
pour ainsi dire
specialized formso to speak
pour de bon
specialized formfor good
pour de vrai
specialized formfor real
