Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| donc | /dɔ̃k/ /dɔ̃/ |
| par conséquent | /paʁ kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃/ |
| en conséquence | /ɑ̃ kɔ̃.se.kɑ̃s/ |
Ainsi is a versatile term that can be used to indicate a resulting consequence or an inference.
Which one should you use?
Donc is the most common and versatile way to say "therefore" or "so" in both speech and writing. Par conséquent is more formal than donc and is typically used in written reports, legal contexts or formal speeches. En conséquence is a formal term often used in administrative or professional contexts to indicate a result following a decision. In informal settings, French speakers often use alors to convey the meaning of therefore.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Par conséquent is used in formal writing and conversations to denote a logical consequence. En conséquence is a formal term often used in administrative or professional contexts. Donc is slightly less formal than par conséquent. Alors is used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where "therefore" is often set off by commas, donc can be used without commas in many sentence structures.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔ̃k/
Did you know?
- In spoken French, donc is frequently used as a filler word to express impatience or insistence rather than a logical conclusion.
- The word donc is a linguistic hybrid, born from a mixture of the Latin words 'dum' and 'tunc'.
- While English 'therefore' usually starts a sentence or follows a semicolon, donc can be placed after the verb in a sentence without changing the meaning.
Examples in context
- J'écris, donc je suis.I write, therefore I am.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of donc in a philosophical context.Tatoeba #13257426 by Rovo, translation #13249888 by mimosawang
- Je pense, donc je fuis.I think, therefore I flee.Tatoeba #1082393 by sacredceltic, translation #1082600 by sacredceltic
- Je pense donc Dieu est.I think, therefore God exists.Tatoeba #1175989 by Sibelius, translation #6149766 by CarpeLanam
- Par conséquent, il est essentiel de prendre des mesures immédiates pour résoudre ce problème.Therefore, it is essential to take immediate actions to solve this issue.
- Les résultats de l'enquête étaient alarmants. Ainsi, des mesures radicales ont été prises.The survey results were alarming. Therefore, radical measures were taken.
- J'ai passé toute la journée à nettoyer la maison, alors je suis épuisé maintenant.I spent the whole day cleaning the house. Therefore, I am exhausted now.
- Je me suis entraîné tous les jours cette semaine, c'est pourquoi mes muscles sont endoloris.I trained every day this week. Therefore, my muscles are sore.
- J'ai terminé toutes les tâches, donc ben j'ai le reste de la journée de libre!I finished all the tasks, so I have the rest of the day off!
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing their dinner plans.
- LéaLe restaurant est fermé, donc nous devons chercher ailleurs.The restaurant is closed, therefore we must look elsewhere.
- LucasEst-ce que tu as une idée, Léa ?Do you have an idea, Léa?
- LéaJe veux manger une pizza, donc allons au café.I want to eat a pizza, therefore let's go to the cafe.
- LucasBonne idée, je suis d'accord avec toi.Good idea, I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “therefore” translations and entries donc, par conséquent, en conséquence, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conséquence, conséquent, donc, en, par, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
