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1. 
   

   Blink
   Blink · Dec 4, 2008

   Well, I'm learning French, and, I'd like to speak it, but I'm having a few difficulties. I wondered if anyone could help.
   
   One of the things is 'pour'. What does it mean when I say 'pour travailler'? According to google, it means 'to work', but doesn't 'travailler' on its own mean that?
   
   Also, I was thinking about 'cela'. When do you use that against, say 'ce' or 'ca'.
   
   Thanks!
2. 
   

   Demeter Admin
   Demeter Admin · Dec 17, 2008

   "Travailler" is the verb "work" in French.
   
   "Pour travailler" is like the "to work" in the sentence "Mary went to UK to work for the Queen".
   
   I'm at least 99% sure of that.
   
   I believe "ça" is the short for "cela", but I'm not that sure.
3. 
   

   Gahks
   Gahks · May 6, 2009

   Yes, that's right in both cases Demeter.
   
   "pour + infinitif" as in D's brilliant example means "in order to." In other words, it expresses purpose, the reason or intention for doing something. Alternative expressions include:
   
   1. "afin de" + inf
   2. "avec l'intention de" + inf
   
   Examples:
   1. Je vais travailler en France afin de gagner de l'argent.
   I am going to work in France to earn some money.
   
   2. Je vais travailler en France avec l'intention de gagner de l'argent.
   I am going to work in France with the intention of earning some money.
   
   I won't mention the subjunctive here, but... oh fine, I will...
   
   You can also use the conjunction "pour que" + subjunctive to express purpose. Hence:
   
   Il a parlé lentement pour que j'aie pu comprendre.
   He spoke slowly so that I could understand.
   
   Hope this helps!
   
   Gahks
4. 
   

   Auxiira
   Auxiira · Feb 21, 2013

   um Gahks, the last one is correct, but no one ever really says it in France. It's considered really really ... démodé...
   Il a parlé lentement pour que je puisse comprendre.

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