In today’s tip, we’ll look at a simple mistake that even native speakers make on occasions. What is correct: зачем or за чем? What is the difference? We shall soon see.
| зачем, a single word, is an adverb, and carries the meaning of why? for what reason? |
Верочка, ты и так красива! Зачем краситься?
Verochka, you’re so beautiful! What’s the point of putting on make-up?
Зачем бороться? Всё уже решино.
Why fight? Everything’s already been decided.
| за чем is a combination of the preposition за, and что in the instrumental case. Its meaning will vary based on context. |
–За чем эта очередь? –Это очередь за едой.
-What is this line for? [to receive what?] -It’s a line for food.
–За чем находится магазин? –Он находится за аэропортом.
What is the store behind? [location] -It’s behind the airport.
My Slavic Studies 