but
/byt/masculine
The English word purpose can be translated into French as but or objectif.
Meaning: end for which something is done, is made or exists (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| but | /byt/ | masculine |
| objectif | /ɔb.ʒɛk.tif/ | masculine |
Both terms describe the end for which something is done, is made or exists.
Which one should you use?
While both mean purpose, but often refers to the underlying reason or intent behind an action. In contrast, objectif refers to a specific, measurable target or goal to be achieved or a concrete milestone or specific result one is striving to reach.
How do you pronounce it?
/byt/
Did you know?
- The word objectif is also used in French to refer to the 'lens' of a camera. This is because the lens is the physical tool used to bring a subject into focus, mirroring the idea of a goal.
- The French word but is related to the English word 'butt' as in 'tree stump' or 'butt of a rifle'. It originally described a physical mound or stump used as a target in martial training.
- In French, if you want to say 'on purpose', you use the expression exprès, such as je l'ai fait exprès. Using avec but would sound quite unnatural to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Dans quel but ?For what purpose?Tatoeba #895941 by U2FS, translation #433515 by CK
- Quel est son but ?What is its purpose?Tatoeba #4710901 by sacredceltic, translation #2647322 by CK
- Quel est leur but ?What's their purpose?Tatoeba #5503637 by Aiji, translation #2646731 by CK
- Mon but est d'obtenir mon diplôme.My purpose is to obtain my degree.
- Je suis venu à Paris pour des raisons professionnelles.I came to Paris for professional reasons.
- Notre objectif est d'améliorer la qualité de nos produits.Our purpose is to enhance the quality of our products.
- Mon but est de passer du temps avec mes amis.My purpose is to spend time with my friends.
- Mon truc, c'est d'aider les gens.My thing is to help people.
- La finalité de cet événement est de réunir tous les membres de la famille.The purpose of this event is to bring all family members together.
- Le but de cet exercice est de vous aider à progresser.The purpose of this exercise is to help you improve.
- Mon truc, c'est de cuisiner des plats traditionnels.My thing is to cook traditional dishes.
- J'ai créé cette entreprise dans le but de changer le monde.I created this company with the purpose of changing the world.
- La finalité de ce projet est de faciliter la vie des utilisateurs.The purpose of this project is to make users' lives easier.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a new project at work.
- ManonQuel est le but de ce projet ?What is the purpose of this project?
- NathanLe but est d'augmenter nos ventes.The purpose is to increase our sales.
- ManonC'est un but très ambitieux, Nathan.That is a very ambitious purpose, Nathan.
- NathanOui, mais c'est possible.Yes, but it is possible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purpose” translations and entries but, objectif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries but, objectif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
