Mark asked: "Hi, why do we say "par amour" and not "pour amour" (for love) ?"

Question

"Je ferais n'importe quoi par amour." (I'd do anything for love.)

Aurélie Drouard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Mark ! That's an interesting question! When using "for" to refer to a recipient of , you will use "pour": J'ai cadeau pour toi. (I have a present for you.) But when you use "for" to refer to the reason to do something (out of), the motivation behind an action, then you'll need to use "par" in French: Je l'ai quitté par lâcheté. (I left him out of cowardice.) Je le fais par amour. (I do it for love.) I hope that's helpful! À bientôt !

Mark Smyth · Answer

Hi,

Salut Aurelie,
That clears that up. Merci.

There is a word that is/was used in English "Paramour". Meant a lover or beloved. Not really used much these days.

Mark

Aurélie Drouard · Answer

I didn't know that :) How interesting!

Merci beaucoup Mark !