Pourtant (en. Yet)

/puʁ.tɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adverb

Introduces an opposition or a concession.

It is raining, yet we are going out.

Il pleut, pourtant nous allons sortir.

Expresses surprise in relation to an expectation.

She arrived late, yet she promised to be on time.

Elle est arrivée en retard, pourtant elle avait promis d'être à l'heure.

Used to mark a contrast between two ideas.

It is difficult, yet I will try.

C'est difficile, pourtant je vais essayer.

Comes from Old French 'pour tant', meaning 'provided that' or 'for that'.

however, it is necessary

Argument to show that an action is necessary despite difficulties.

pourtant il faut

and yet

Expresses surprise or contradiction.

et pourtant

however, yes

Used to emphasize a point despite an objection.

pourtant, si

nevertheless

Indicates an opposition, similar to however.

toutefois

however

Marks a contrast between two ideas.

cependant

despite

Introduces a contradiction with another idea.

malgré

Anyway

He failed, yet he made an effort, anyway.

Il a échoué, pourtant il a fait des efforts, quand même.

She didn't want to go, yet, so she changed her mind.

Elle ne voulait pas y aller, pourtant, du coup, elle a changé d'avis.