174 Comments
The English translation here is too awkward, is there no better way to translate this?
Hi sparkplug, "Because Of what" was accepted. Does that strike you as more natural or commonly-used English?
I am a British English speaker and I instinctively typed "because of what"
Well, I'm probably wrong in my language but possibly not in my sense. Because what and Because of what are different. They are also different in French.
I'm Latin American and the first thing that came to my mind was "because of what ?"
I thought about this as well but I did not have the "of" in my word box.
It also might be used when someone says a sentence including the word "because", and some one else doesn't catch the ending. "I like cake because __" "Because what?"
I wish what for had worked. That seems like the much more natural option than 'because what'?
As stated elsewhere in the thread, "what for?" is probably the best colloquial comparison, even if it isn't exactly the same.
I think it's fine. It's a loose translation, there's many ways to say the same thing.
Is it really pronounced pass-uh-kuh? Or is it pass-kuh? She seems to add an extra syllable in this particular sentence.
772
Google Translate renders it as par-se kuh but not so emphasized as Duo. The much more authoritative Larousse gives it as pars - kuh. Probably regional differences at play.
I agree with Ian159. I think the most common pronunciation is pars-kuh. I definitely don't think it should have an exaggerated se sound as Duo does.
Alright good, I didn't think so, but I know dialects will always confuse!
PARS kuh or PARS uh kuh is accepted. Ive met french people who say it both ways.
To my ear, with most French people I hear just a very tiny lingering on the ss part of "parce". It's not really pronouncing a second syllable, but there is a something that needs to be there.
It's not ss; there's a vowel in there.
it makes sense since they are two separate words.
This is almost like the word maintenant(now). The French always just go right through "mant-nan", but you can say:"man-teu-nan"(like if you REALLY MEAN RIGHT NOW!!!).
i've studied french for 4 years in 2ndary school. never in my life have i hard anyone pronounce it pars-uh-kuh o.O
as far as I know (not a native), certain "e's" ("null e's"), for example in "parce que" or "maintenant" can sometimes be pronounced (very subtly), but it almost never happens in normal speech, it's a very formal way of speaking and unnatural, you use it for poetry for example.
"What for?" asks for the utility of something while "Parce que quoi?" is asking for an explanation. So the uses are kinda similar but they don't really overlap.
Actually, I'm a native speaker and I often use "what for" instead of "why." "What for" and "because what" seem like the same thing, except for people actually say "what for" in English.
I am not a native speaker , and I don't remember seeing “because what” in English. Is that widely used for other English native speakers ?
No; Because what? is a phrase that is never used, at all. It makes no sense and is grammatically incorrect.
As has already been stated, the phrases What for? and Why? are commonly used.
This is just a small error on Duo's part; please, report it when you see it again.
It actually could be a phrase someone could use, for example:
Bobby drops the flowerpot out the window, but is caught by Billy. "Bobby, why did you do that!?" "Because-" "Because WHAT?"
Idk... Just being creative haha.
- 772
VentMille
Because what is a phrase used in English to encourage a speaker to expand on his use of the word because. Some speakers will use because to avoid responsibility for some action or behavior. This is especially true of children.
Often, when confronted with a request to explain bad behavior, children respond by saying something like.....I had to do it because. At that point an adult will often say ....because what? Because implies that something caused the behavior. Because what is a demand that the child identify the supposed cause.
Using the somewhat condescending approach contained in the because what phrase with adults will occasionally produce the response....because f..k you. However, children just take it in stride as more controlling behavior from adults.
As such, because what is used by some people, especially parents and is also grammatically correct. If you do choose to use the because what construction be careful where you apply it.
- 772
mdinsjr
Because what is clearly grammatical in that it serves a useful purpose in communication.
It is all about who owns the problem in a given communication issue.
When a listener says because what the speaker has been advised he, the speaker, has failed to finish his sentence.
When a listener says because why he is saying he, the listener, feels the need for more information.
When a listener such as a parent says because what he may already know why or may not care why but instead wants to draw attention to the shortcomings in the speakers response.
When a listener says because why he is expressing his own shortcoming in understanding what the speaker is saying.
As a speech pathologist I hope you are telling your clients that speech is all about what people want to say to each other in a way that best serves their own purpose.
Pourquoi has the same functions as "Why?". Example: - - You are stupid. - Why? Parce que quoi has the same functions as "Because, what?". Example: - Why are you doing this to me? - Because... - Because, what?
Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but "Because, what?" Is not the case here, since the person here is asking for one to repeat the question he was going to answer. "Because what?" Is trying to express a sort of surprise. E.g: "the cat scratched you because WHAT?" Or maybe that's just what I can conclude for an expression with no context.
Because what? does not ask one to repeat the question. It asks that the answer be expanded on or rather that the question actually be answered. It can also be used when you are surprised at an answer and want it verified. "Because of what?" has also been accepted as correct here, although it is used differently, because it is still asking for more information further than "because".
- 772
Why is more indefinite. What is more definite. Any answer to a why question can be met with another why.
Why are you doing this to me? ..Because I like it.....Why?
What is your reason for doing this to me?....Because I like it. .....Oh.
I'm beginning to seriously suspect that this lesson Duo set is for us to learn three words in proper construction and spelling. Not to make any sense of them. Either that, or aliens have invaded and we're busy chattering while they get busy. This posted 8 months after my first post.
Here is a suggested interpretation of this phrase from a native French speaker:
"If someone is pumping you for information, asking you scores of question, and if they're really getting on your nerves, you might answer Parce que! (literally, "Because"), which basically means that you don't want to justify yourself. Instead of answering Parce que je pense que etc... you just answer Parce que to make it clear you want to be left alone.
In this case, the person you're talking to might feel quite frustrated, and answers you back "Parce que quoi ?", which is quite understandable. If someone answers you Because, full stop, you may perfectly answer them "Because...what?" "
Thank you. "Because what" is not an English sentence, so I had no way of parsing it that gave any insight into what the phrase means in French.
In English you would rather hear someone repeat "because... What?" as two separate items. "Because." is common when someone does not answer fully. "What?" is common when you did not hear what someone said or did not understand.
And how is "parce que quoi" any different from "pourqoui"?. Is there any formal/colloquial differential between em?
- 772
In English because what differs from why..
Because what, as a question, is an invitation or demand to finish or expand on a previous statement such as I couldn't do it because....... (aliens captured me). Asking why would bring up related but separate issues such as why aliens were interested in the speaker.
As an English speaker, I would only ever say "Because why?" "Because what?" makes no sense to me.
I can imagine asking a French person a question, and when they answer all I can understand is "parce que.....", and I'd respond "Pardon. Parce que quoi ?" = "Pardon. Because what?"
I disagree. "Because why?" makes less sense to me. If I were to use "why?" I would never put "because" in front of it. I would more often use "Why?" There is a very limited use for "Because what?" which is to ask for more information from someone who only answered "Because!" to a "Why?" The "what" that you are asking for is the information that should have come after the word "because" and it is unknown whether the rest of the words will actually answer "why?", but you are letting the person know that something must come after the word "because". I could ask "What is the reason why...?" so "a reason" is a "what" that answers "why?"
Yes, a reason is a thing or a "what" that answers why. You can ask "Why?" or "What is the reason for this?" If someone asks "Why?" and the other person answers "Because!". you can ask for more information by simply asking "Why?" again, but if it is a child "Because!" may be repeated. "What is your reason?" can be asked or indeed some people will ask "Because...what?" meaning "What is the rest of your answer?
Yes it can. Whenever I see something that doesn't sound quite right in English, I try to find the right word to make it sound better, like this question. It works sometimes. If not, just ask for it to be added to the list of answers.
In Ireland we would say "How come?" Vastly more natural than "Because what?"!! But I'm not sure if people use "How come?" in other countries?
Well, Coshea. translated back to French that would be I think, " Comment venir?".
But "how come?" is an expression. Direct translation is not appropriate.
Coshea91 - "how come?" was quite common in the Western U.S. when I was growing up, but that was quite some time ago. I don't hear it so often here in Vancouver, Canada, but I'm pretty sure if I used it in conversation, nobody would be surprised or confused.
Yes, "How come?" is closer to "Why?" though each has its own nuance. I use it when I am looking for a different type of answer than the one I was given. I want to know how they came to that answer, but this is more for when no answer was given. "Because what?" is specifically used when someone has answered "Because!" to a "Why?" and we are fishing for the rest of the response. For example: "Why did you do that?" "Because!" "Because what?" "Because I wanted to!" "How come?"
I have never heard "Because what" and I've lived a few decades. I have often heard "Because why", and the answer to "why?" "Because" has always been "Because WHY". Of course, that's in my neck of the woods, and it may be different elsewhere. I've lived in a lot of places all over the U.S., though., but it does seem like this has got to be a regional difference.
I live in California. "Because why?" is asked by some people, I suppose, if you say so, but it should just be "Why?" The minute you add "because", the next thing should be the reason. I have heard both forms. When you don't hear something, you often say "What?", right? as in "What did you say?" or "What did you mean?" if you simply didn't understand them. "Because of what?" is also accepted as correct by Duolingo and most people understand that to mean "Because of what reason?"
"Because... why?" would be "Parce que... pour quoi?" However, it is backwards since you ask why and then are answered with the reason which comes after "because". Yours would actually be short for "Because...I don't understand. Why?" while "Because what?" is short for "Because what reason?" Children using either is not the best example since children don't always have the best grammar while they are still learning it. There is also the matter of an adult replying back to the insisting child "Because. That's why." if they are rude and don't want to continue "Because?" "Why?" for ever. Most children I know just say "Why?" here. It is actually redundant to say "Because (reason follows) why? (What is the reason?) both specify that what is being talked about is a reason. I do not doubt that in your area people are doing it. Repeating the last thing the other person said and repeating yourself could also lead to the adult saying "Why?...Because!"
So in the end I agree, this must be a regional difference. Where are you from again?
On the internet I found these phrases using "Parce que quoi" 1. Parce que quoi que tu dises , tu es la plus belle personne à mes yeux. in this case, I translate this to say, Because whatever or Because of what you say, you are the most beautiful person in my eyes. i.e.
-
MAIS PARCE QUE QUOI ?? But Because of WHAT??
-
Parce que quoi qu'il arrive, ils seront toujours dans mon coeur ♥
I think "Because what?" would be used in an argument context: Enter this scene: Martha: Where were you last night? Charlie: Er, well I was at a bar.... M: With a girl? C: NO, I was with her because, er because... M: Because what Charlie? BECAUSE WHAT? <sub>END</sub>
I have lived in many regions of the English speaking world and believe that "For what?" is a reasonably common statement, though usually it is stated more fully, such as "For what reason?...or purpose?...etc." In contrast, "Because what?" is understandable but awkward. I don't think I've ever heard it said.
Can I put this simply? English people do not use the phrase 'Because what?' ever in any natural sense. This was mistranslated because of what? (Why was this mistranslated, what were the mechanisms). See. Natural.
- 772
Because what is a request to finish an incomplete explanation which apparently consisted of saying nothing more than because. It is the kind of thing you might say to a child or someone being evasive.
What is the reason is a request for an explanation. It is true that you could substitute it for because what. It might even be a more productive way to go about the conversation. However, it doesn't translate words that are in the sentence that could easily be translated into English to accurately convey the intention. What's more it adds words and intent that are not in the original phrase. You can replace the French words with a host of phrases that would get the point across, each one getting further afield from the example provided. But the Duo computer will have no way of knowing whether you know the literal translation of Parce que quoi.
Because what carries a demanding manner and isn't used much. It's not used at all in some circles leading people to believe that it is strange or even that it makes no sense. But some English speakers do use it on occasion and, apparently, so do the French.
Indeed, 'pourquoi' and 'parce que quoi' are not interchangeable in French but 'why' and 'because of what' are interchangeable in English.
Well, yes, but surely in very limited contexts? How often may an adverb interchange well with a conjunction, I wonder. Anyway, Duo's programmes are not expansive enough, by far, to accept Alternatives of such limited usage to answer your original query and also, we English are pretty lazy with language and I suggest we'd never use three words when one is both enough and exact. Cordial.
car is slight more informal. When texting, you may just type 'car' because it is quicker, so, more informal people use it
Hmm. Kind've and kind've not. It is a tricky subjectbecause even the French misuse them and many don't understand the deliniation. Try two sites. Car vs Parce que utube. (Very cool and lazy) And About fr .com parce que, puisque, comme (more formal)
Not short for. They are two different words that have similar meanings, so they are synonyms. (but they are not identical)
Hi Haedehr. There are "rules" governing French conjunctions and one is that you cannot begin a sentence with "Car". You can find out all about them at About.com French Car vs Parce que and click on the link French Conjunctions. In future do read through these threads before posting as you can see this was addressed just above.
It's won't, MydhiliNai, because Duolingo is a language learning site and that means grammar and structure. It never purports to be a French Holiday Phrase book. (You have to pay for them and they give you so little understanding.). I don't think that you'll find much use for Blue Ducks, Turtles that eat Pasta, Elephants that share one apple (although I personally reckon that they're not eating one single apple but one each like when the class is reading a book; they surely have a copy each of one book), when will you need to say "I'm a whale" or "I'm a fly"? Phrase books for sense and use without understanding and language learning for nonsense and complete understanding. You takes your choices and sings your voices. With respect, JJ.
Whats the difference between que, quel/quelle, and quoi... They all mean the same thing (I think) but when do you use each one?
I may not do a good job of answering this, but I'll try just in case nobody else does.
Quel/quelle are only used with a noun (quel livre, quelle table). In English, we would most likely say "which."
Quoi can stand alone as a noun.
Que is usually part of a conjunction or other connecting-type phrase (in fact, there it is in "parce que). But there are many, many other uses for it, including when asking a question. So you could say "Que veux-tu?" But you could also ask "Tu veux quoi?" The first version is more formal.
Here is a good article: www.french.about.com/od/mistakes/a/what.htm
What is the difference between parce and car? They're both because but how do you know when to use what?
Hi Rebeca. Go to AboutFrench.com Parce Que vs Car. Click on the link and a full explanation is given. There as always some good answers here on the thread.
This translation is very bad English. Itneed to be followed by some condition perhaps "because of what ....( I said or I did or he said or did)
- 1718
In truth, it would generally be used in a larger context, not a stand-alone phrase. http://context.reverso.net/traduction/francais-anglais/parce+que+quoi
From the examples that your have given in the website, the phrase does not have an equivalent translation, but means something like "for this reason". It shows effect of the cause. Am I understanding it correctly?
Those are all some good explanations and all, but I just wanna know what the purpose of "que" in this phrase.
What's the difference between 'cars' and 'parce' in French both means because?
It does seem very awkward in English, but in Italian they use the same phrase (though in Italian, obviously). So maybe it's just us English so are answers!?!
I have never heard "Because what?" or "Because of what?" I am a native New Englander who has live in Georgia for 25 years and several places in between. What does this even mean?
Hi Becky. Yes, another rather strange lesson from Duo. Here in the UK, however, it does quite frequently enter an exchange, especially between an adult and a child like this; "Why won't you eat your greens?" Because I don't like them." "Why don't you like them?" "Oh, because!" "Because (of) what?"
Hi Daniel. Try www.learnfrenchathome/grammaire_que_quoi_quel,.htm for a full explanation. (I don't think that you need to type the http// bit.)
well, my name is Daniella but I guess Daniel works too.
Thanks! Ill check it out.
I wrote "so what." Seemed more natural to me as an American. Alas, not accepted.
"Because?" was not accepted. I have never heard anyone say "Because why"; it's always just a interrogative "because"
Hi Aman. Are you sure that "Because" is an interrogative and not a conjunction? Secondly, For how long have you lived and do you have children? Thirdly, check in the OED and read their explanations of it's usage. Fourthly, whether it makes sense to you or not, "Quoi" is there in the task sentence and you just don't leave it out in translation.
Mother says, "You can't go", child says, "Because why?", mother replies, "Because I said so." Very common construct between parent and child.
But in that case I have only heard it as:
"You can't go" "Because?" or "Why not?" "Because I said so"
Seconded. See my post which has been moved (Why?) just below. Also Sabn, it goes ""Either you've never dealt with very young children" or "You never deal with very young children" and I put this for those students for whom English is a second language. With respect. JJ.
"Because of what?" is a slang used to express indignation with someone in my part of the world. Didn't know Pigin English was acceptable to Duo
- 1123
I don't think it's slang or pidgin English. If someone says, for example, "I don't want to go, because of..." and hesitates to complete the sentence, it's only natural for someone else to say, "Because of what?"
"why" is accepted as an answer and even if it's not literally right it's a better translation imo
I do not understand why the answer: "For what?" was not accepted. Example: Person 1 - I am going to the store. Person 2 - For what?
But wouldn't person 2 say "Pour quoi?" in that case?
There's a difference in meaning.
Person 1: "I am leaving you!" Person 2: "Why???" Person 1: "Just because!" Person 2: "Because what, you unmitigated swine???"
- 1123
I think the situation is different. "For what?" can mean just "Why?" (In fact, it's a direct translation of "pourquoi")
"I'm going to the store." "Je vais au magasin." "Why?" "Pourquoi?"
I think that "Parce que quoi" would be used in a situation like this:
"Je te laisse, parce que..."
"Parce que quoi?"
Pauline, why does the task sentences have to make sense? This is not a phrase book for the holiday it is a learning, quite simply, of Gender (To memorise), and Structure. Does Turtles Eating Pasta make sense? That the Vagina is maculine (LE Vagin) make sense? That the Sea is feminine (LA Mere) but the Lake (LE Lac) make sense? Duo does indeed have flaws and since its "Improvements" recently (24/5/2017) has more and more serious ones, but it is free to use, learn and communicate and it is that which is its purpose, not its reason. With respect. In my near-70 years I've lost count of how many times, in context, "Because What" has been said here in England. Votre ami JJ.
Jack! I wrote, "What's the reason". Nice to hear from you, Merci beaucoup pour votre aide
Bonjour Koma. Two things, if I may: 1) On Duo it is best practice not to use the apostrophe although sometimes the computer programme accepts it, many times it is not programmed for that particular use of it. This may well be because the apostrophe is such a tricky subject of punctuation and also, there are differing "schools of thought" on the topic. 2) What Is The Reason=Quelle est la raison; whilst Parce que quoi?=Because what? Nowthen, this phrase has bothered many students and they cannot think of a situation where it would be used. Well there are quite a few phrases and srntences used as tasks on this course which are simply unreal. Like "The turtle eats pasta." They just don't. but what we are learning here is not common sense; we are learning grammar, gender, structure etc and that all. However some of the task sentences or phrases may be found in use however rarely. "Because what?" may be found when a person is asked "Why did you do that?" and the reply may be "Well, because." and the questioner then may respond with "Because what?" (Et vous etes bienvenus. Votre ami JJ)
- 772
KomaGawa
Now I get it. It looked like you were asking what is the reason for being marked wrong. That is because what is the reason bears little resemblance to an actual translation of the words in the example.
Of course it appears to mean the same thing. So does I don't know exactly what you are saying but I really want to understand you. I think you would agree that my hypothetical answer is pretty far away from a word for word translation of Parce que quoi .
The Duo computer is saying the same thing about your answer. Sometimes direct translations don't work to get the sense of the original statement across. But Duo is saying Parce que quoi is pretty accurately reflected in the English statement beacuse what.
English speakers sometimes want to improve the quality of the English translation. Because what may not sound very elegant in English. What you have to consider is that maybe Parce que quoi doesn't sound very elegant in French. Computers are notorious for not seeing the need to display elegance if it isn't already present.
BRAVO! you have touched upon a recurring tension repeated so many times in these comment sections. Sometimes Duo goes one way, and sometimes the other....Or I should say, :"the Duo translation computer". when you look at high level translations, and I am thinking of Japanese translations in the weekly newspaper language section:...You can just barely see the word for word connections, but there is a red line where the translation can go too far....We want to get near there in French. I am divided on my opinion of whether to always satisfy the Duo computer by hewing to the "word for word" in order to progress beyond it... .Oh well this is really a distant concern at my level now.......lol
- 772
Jackjon
Just as an aside, I have noticed that you have come a long way in your French since we started commenting on this board years ago.
Is this, as in:
"I haven't done it because..."
"Because what?"
That's the only way "Because what?" works, for me...
OhhKKKK I have to add my two bits to this. I grew up in the South, US.....And I never, well, my wife says my memory is getting shorter every day, but I can't remember hearing "Because what?". However there were foreigners and Yankees who came through our town, and if you hung out at the General Forest Hotel, I rekun you could hear such a phrase.....but I will agree with one comment here, I used "Because why"" as a chain question to get another reason why I couldn't do something,,,,,
So bottom line, "Is this common French expression?"
No it isn't Koma. Nor is "The Turtle Eats Pasta, I'm a Whale, I'm an insect " and on, and on. Do try to not think of this course as a French phrase book for your holiday in France. It is not. It is a language-learning course where we learn Structure, Gender, Adjectives, Verbs and Idioms. That is about it. (Mother: Why did you pour the milk into that dirty bucket? Child: "Well...Because." Mother: "Because What?" Common in England but unnecessary. Incorrect grammar but useful on a language-learning course. Which is free to the student, OK?)
It's a schwa at the end, usually not pronounced when speaking at a normal pace. For emphasis, however, it is.
Yes, Aman, I agree with you. Additionally. some people would do well to focus fully on one or at most two languages and get them done and dusted and then attempt the rest, one-by-one? Votre ami JJ. (A lingot, not because you may want/need any but to draw attention to your useful post here.)
of course, I agree! I'm sticking to one language for right now, French, with Spanish on the side kinda :P Thanks for the lingot (it makes 200!)
- 772
Here are some more lingots.
I was going to give you more but the Duo server started acting erratically and took away a whole bunch every few lingots. It would sometimes not register any and then would suddenly take away half of what I had entered. When I finally got to the above level I figured I had better stop while I was still ahead.
this sentence is nit grammatical in English. it should be "because of what" or "why"
Hello Tristan. To begin a sentence, especially on a language-learning course, in lower case, is ungrammatical. "Nit" is the egg of, or the parasitic young insect, especially the egg of a human head louse. Before I clean somebody else's house, I do well to clean my own first. Ego errata discite a me; ad iugum arco tenso. (That is Latin; the source of all Romanic grammar, including English.) With respect and firmness, JJ.
Hiya Jdg, it is not just Parce, it is Parce Que and is somewhat idiomatic. The main difference is that a sentence can not begin with Car.
Not really, G-Xinyue. (Thank you Duo for finally after 5 tries allowing me to address this student's query!) For What?=Pour Quoi.
"For what reason?" was accepted as correct, and sounds more natural to me than "because what?"
East coast Canadian here; I think both"because of what" and "because what" sound weird. I think the best and most natural translation would just be "why". If your saying "because what", i would imagine it would be in the case that someone said "because something or other" and you didn't hear them properly, and you don't mind sounding a bit rude. Otherwise, you'd say "pardon me?".
Well Mitchmcq, let us take a look at your post before we bother about Duolingo's sometimes (rarely) flawed language course which is conditioned by Noah Webster's American "English." "I" , pronoun, first person singular is always higher case wherever it appears in a sentence. "Your" sits before a noun or pronoun indicating possession. "You're" is an unfavourable contraction to use on a language learning course. Golden Rule; it is a contraction of "You Are" and if the word used can not be expanded to You Are then it is wrong. .The apostrophe is very tricky in the written word. Best to never use it, if possible. Lastly, it is good to say "You" when you mean Me, or Us, and to say "I" when you mean your own self. With respect, JJ.
