"Parce que quoi ?"
Translation:Because what?
169 CommentsThis discussion is locked.
Yeah, almost every French person I've heard pronounces it pars-kuh.
2051
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.
1146
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.
2051
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.
2051
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.
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".
2051
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.
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?" "
2051
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.
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?
1146
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.
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MAIS PARCE QUE QUOI ?? But Because of WHAT??
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Parce que quoi qu'il arrive, ils seront toujours dans mon coeur ♥
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.
2051
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.
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.
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car is slight more informal. When texting, you may just type 'car' because it is quicker, so, more informal people use it
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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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?
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.
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)
2051
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
2051
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.
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?)
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.
737
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.