pourtant

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yet, however, nevertheless, after all, really
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/puʁtɑ̃/
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Marks a fact that goes against what another fact or the surrounding situation would lead one to expect.
Practice using pourtant in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Nous avons pourtant vérifié deux fois.
    We did check twice.
  • Ce chemin paraît long, pourtant il ne fait que deux kilomètres.
    This path looks long, yet it is only two kilometres.
  • C'est pourtant facile à comprendre.
    It is really easy to understand.
  • Elle est pourtant bien sur la liste.
    She is definitely on the list.
  • Le restaurant était plein, pourtant le service est resté rapide.
    The restaurant was full, yet the service stayed quick.

Similar words

malgré cela
quand même
cependant
toutefois
bel et bien
néanmoins
tout de même
pour autant
malgré tout
en réalité

Meanings

Unexpected contrast

adverb
communication
neutral
Introduces a fact that remains true even though another fact would normally suggest the opposite.

Examples

  • Il pleuvait, pourtant nous sommes sortis sans parapluie.
    It was raining, yet we went out without an umbrella.
  • Elle semblait fatiguée, pourtant elle a continué à travailler.
    She seemed tired, yet she carried on working.
  • Le restaurant était plein, pourtant le service est resté rapide.
    The restaurant was full, yet the service stayed quick.
  • Je connais la règle, et pourtant je fais encore cette erreur.
    I know the rule, and yet I still make this mistake.
  • Ce chemin paraît long, pourtant il ne fait que deux kilomètres.
    This path looks long, yet it is only two kilometres.

Similar words

cependant
néanmoins
toutefois
malgré cela
quand même
pour autant

Emphatic reminder

adverb
communication
neutral
Stresses a fact that was already stated, known, or expected to be obvious, often with surprise, impatience, or gentle reproach.

Examples

  • Je t'avais pourtant prévenu hier.
    I did warn you yesterday.
  • C'est pourtant facile à comprendre.
    It is really easy to understand.
  • Il avait pourtant promis de venir.
    He had promised to come, after all.
  • Nous avons pourtant vérifié deux fois.
    We did check twice.
  • Elle est pourtant bien sur la liste.
    She is definitely on the list.

Similar words

quand même
tout de même
bel et bien
en réalité
après tout
malgré tout

Etymology

Formed from pour and tant. Older French used the combination with the sense of 'for so much' before it developed its modern contrastive use.

FAQ

What does pourtant mean?

Pourtant usually means yet, however, or nevertheless, and it can also emphasize a fact already stated.

Where does pourtant go in a sentence?

Pourtant can link two clauses or sit close to the verb when it emphasizes a fact.

What is the difference between pourtant and cependant?

Both mark contrast, but pourtant often makes the clash with an expectation feel stronger.

What does et pourtant mean?

Et pourtant means and yet and highlights a surprising contrast.

Can pourtant sound reproachful?

Yes. In a sentence such as Je t'avais pourtant prévenu, it can add mild reproach or impatience.

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