donc

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/dɔ̃k/

conjunction

so; therefore; consequently

Il n'y avait plus de places, donc on est rentrés.

There were no seats left, so we went home.

Synonyms:alors, par conséquent, du coup

adverb

so / then — a discourse particle used to introduce a conclusion, a question, to emphasize, or to prompt continuation

C'est donc ça ton problème ?

So that's your problem?

Synonyms:alors, du coup, bah

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Donc means "so," "therefore," or "thus." It primarily functions as an adverb or conjunction, linking ideas to express a logical consequence or conclusion.

USAGE

It connects a cause to its effect: *Il est tard, donc je dois partir.* (It's late, so I must leave.) It can also add emphasis or impatience in questions: *Que fais-tu donc ?* (What *are* you doing then?)

TRAPS

Be careful with its placement; donc often comes *after* the verb, especially in interrogative or emphatic sentences (*Où vas-tu donc ?*). While "alors" can also mean "so," donc more strongly implies a logical deduction.