What for Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
WUHT-FOR, WUHT-FER
wˈɒt/ /fˈɔː
WOT-FAW
Definition
Used to ask about the purpose or reason for something. Often means 'Why?' but focuses specifically on the intended result or purpose.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and commonly used in spoken English to ask about someone's intention. Different from 'why', which is broader; 'what for' asks about the goal or purpose specifically. Often said as a standalone phrase with rising intonation: 'What for?'.
Spanish: ¿para quéPortuguese (BR): para quePortuguese (PT): para quêChinese (Simplified): 干什么用 - 为了什么Chinese (Traditional): 幹什麼用 - 為了什麼Hindi: किसलिएArabic: لِمَ - لأجل ماذاBengali: কোন কাজে - কী জন্য - কেন (উদ্দেশ্য)Russian: зачем - для чегоJapanese: 何のため - 何に使うのVietnamese: để làm gì - nhằm mục đích gìKorean: 무엇 때문에 - 뭐 하려고Turkish: ne için - hangi amaçlaUrdu: کس لئے - کس مقصد کے لئےIndonesian: untuk apa - buat apa
Example Sentences
What for do you need this tool?
basic
She is saving money. What for?
basic
He went to the store. What for?
basic
If you want to borrow my car, what for?
natural
'I'm making a list.' 'What for?' 'For shopping tomorrow.'
natural
You’re bringing lunch? What for? We’re going out to eat.
natural