car

for, because

CauseFormal

Formal causal connector used to justify or explain. More formal and literary than 'parce que'. Cannot be used to answer a direct 'Pourquoi ?' question.

Usage

Introduces an explanation or justification. Always at the beginning of a new clause, never at the start of a sentence. More common in written French than spoken.

Examples

Je ne peux pas venir, car j'ai un rendez-vous.

I can't come, for I have an appointment.

Context: Formal explanation

Il faut partir maintenant, car il est tard.

We must leave now, for it's late.

Context: Justifying urgency

Elle a réussi, car elle a beaucoup travaillé.

She succeeded, for she worked hard.

Context: Explaining success

Synonyms & Alternatives

parce quepuisque

Important Notes

More formal than 'parce que'. Cannot answer 'Pourquoi ?' directly. Common in written French and formal speech.