pourtant
yet · however
Ce mot sert à montrer une opposition ou une contradiction entre deux idées ou faits.
The word "pourtant" is a French conjunction meaning "yet" or "however." It is used to introduce a contrasting idea or to emphasize a point that may seem contrary to what has just been said.
Meaning: "Pourtant" signals that despite a situation or condition described earlier, something different or unexpected follows. It often highlights a contradiction or highlights that the outcome is not what would logically be anticipated.
Synonyms and differences:
-
Cependant: This is a more formal synonym for "pourtant." It also conveys a sense of contrast but is often used in written French or more formal discussions.
-
Néanmoins: Similar to "cependant," "néanmoins" means "nevertheless." It can be used in contexts where one acknowledges an opposing situation but still maintains the preceding point.
-
Toutefois: Another formal synonym, "toutefois," means "nevertheless" or "however," and like "cependant" and "néanmoins," it is more commonly found in writing and formal contexts.
While all these synonyms express contrast, "pourtant" is generally more informal and conversational than the others, giving it a slightly different flavor depending on the context.
Make “pourtant” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Le temps était mauvais, pourtant nous sommes partis.adverb
The weather was bad, yet we left.
Pourtant, cette décision semble étrange.adverb
However, this decision seems strange.
Pourtant, la situation reste compliquée pour eux.adverb
However, the situation remains complicated for them.
Les résultats semblent bons, pourtant rien ne fonctionne correctement.adverb
The results seem good, yet nothing is working properly.
Beaucoup de gens ont refusé l'offre, pourtant elle semblait avantageuse.adverb
Many people refused the offer, yet it seemed advantageous.
Pourtant, certains candidats souhaitent participer à ce projet.adverb
Yet, some candidates want to take part in this project.
Pourtant, tu continues à essayer chaque jour.adverb
Yet, you keep trying every day.
Pourtant, je pense que tout ira bien.adverb
Yet, I think everything will be fine.
Pourtant, tu continues malgré les difficultés.adverb
Yet, you continue despite the difficulties.
Pourtant, Marie voit toujours le bon côté des choses.adverb
Yet, Marie always sees the bright side of things.
Pourtant, tu continues à avancer malgré les difficultés.adverb
Yet, you keep moving forward despite the difficulties.
Pourtant, beaucoup de gens s'intéressent à ce sujet.adverb
Yet, many people are interested in this subject.
Parfois tu as raison, pourtant personne ne t'écoute vraiment.conjunction
Sometimes you are right, yet no one really listens to you.
Il a beaucoup étudié, pourtant il a échoué à l’examen.Word type unavailable
He studied a lot, yet he failed the exam.
Il faisait froid, pourtant nous avons décidé de sortir.conjunction
It was cold, yet we decided to go out.
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad