The French preposition pour is one of the most common words in everyday French. At first glance, it seems simple because it is often translated as “for” in English. However, pour has several different uses, and translating it word for word can easily lead to mistakes.
In this article, you will learn how to use “pour” correctly in French, with clear explanations and practical examples designed specifically for adult English-speaking learners.
1. “Pour” to Express a Purpose or Goal
One of the most frequent uses of pour is to express why something is done.
Structure
pour + infinitive
Examples
- Je viens pour apprendre le français.
(I’m coming to learn French.) - Elle travaille pour gagner de l’argent.
(She works to earn money.)
In English, this often translates as “to” or “in order to.”
⚠️ Common mistake
Do not use pour with a conjugated verb.
❌ pour j’apprends
✅ pour apprendre
2. “Pour” to Indicate a Recipient or Beneficiary
Pour is used to say who benefits from something or who something is intended for.
Examples
- Ce cadeau est pour toi.
(This gift is for you.) - J’ai préparé un café pour mon collègue.
(I made a coffee for my colleague.)
This use is generally easy for English speakers because it closely matches the English preposition “for.”
3. “Pour” to Express an Opinion or Point of View
In French, pour is commonly used to express someone’s opinion or perspective.
Examples
- Pour moi, c’est une bonne idée.
(In my opinion, it’s a good idea.) - Pour les Français, le repas est important.
(From the French point of view, meals are important.)
This structure is very frequent in spoken French.
4. “Pour” to Indicate a Duration
Pour can be used to talk about how long something is planned or intended to last, especially when referring to the future.
Examples
- Je pars à Paris pour trois jours.
(I’m going to Paris for three days.) - Il est en France pour un an.
(He is in France for a year.)
Important distinction:
- pour refers to a planned or expected duration
- pendant and depuis refer to an actual duration
5. “Pour” to Express a Reason or Cause
In some expressions, pour introduces a reason.
Examples
- Il est puni pour son comportement.
(He is punished for his behavior.) - Merci pour votre aide.
(Thank you for your help.)
However, to explain reasons in full sentences, French usually prefers parce que, à cause de, or grâce à.
6. “Pour” in Comparisons and Evaluations
Pour is often used when expressing evaluation, contrast, or surprise.
Examples
- Il est très mature pour son âge.
(He is very mature for his age.) - C’est cher pour un étudiant.
(It’s expensive for a student.)
This structure is extremely common in everyday French.
7. “Pour” vs. “Par”: A Classic Difficulty
English speakers often hesitate between pour and par, because both can translate as “for” in English, but they express very different ideas in French.
Very simplified rule
- pour → goal, intention, recipient, opinion
- par → means, method, cause, movement through, agent
POUR
Goal / purpose
- Je travaille pour réussir l’examen.
(I’m working to pass the exam.)
Recipient
- Ce cadeau est pour Marie.
(This gift is for Marie.)
Opinion / point of view
- Pour moi, c’est une bonne idée.
(In my opinion, it’s a good idea.)
PAR
Means / method
- J’ai payé par carte.
(I paid by card.)
Cause
- Il a crié par colère.
(He shouted out of anger.)
Movement / passage
- Nous sommes passés par le centre-ville.
(We went through the city center.)
Agent (passive voice)
- Ce film a été réalisé par un réalisateur français.
(This film was directed by a French director.)
Key Takeaway
If you are hesitating:
- Ask “Why? For what purpose? For whom?” → pour
- Ask “How? By what means? Through what?” → par
This distinction is essential for sounding natural in French.
8. Common Expressions with “Pour”
Here are a few frequent expressions you will hear all the time:
- pour l’instant – for now
- pour de bon – for good, seriously
- être pour / être contre – to be in favor of / against
Learning these expressions as complete chunks will help improve fluency.
Conclusion: Mastering “Pour” Step by Step
Pour is a high-frequency word that plays a key role in everyday French. Instead of translating it directly from English, focus on its function: purpose, recipient, opinion, duration, and evaluation.
With practice and real-life usage, pour will quickly become natural, and your French will sound more confident and authentic.