Question 1

I thought d'où meant 'from where'. How does it translate to 'hence'?

Accepted Answer

You are right that d'où literally means 'from where' (as in D'où viens-tu ?). However, it is also frequently used figuratively to introduce the logical consequence or origin of what was just stated. In English, we use 'hence' or 'which explains' in the exact same way.

Question 2

Why isn't there a verb after d'où?

Accepted Answer

When expressing a consequence, d'où is unique because it can be followed directly by a noun (in this case, ces émeraudes). You don't need a verb, although you could technically say d'où viennent ces émeraudes (from which these emeralds come). The verbless structure is very common and sounds elegant.

Question 3

Could I use donc (therefore) or c'est pourquoi (that is why) instead of d'où?

Accepted Answer

You could use them to express the same idea, but you would have to change the grammar. Donc and c'est pourquoi must introduce a clause with a verb. For example, you would have to say donc il a ces émeraudes (therefore he has these emeralds). D'où is the only option here that works perfectly with just a noun.

Question 4

What exactly is a gisement? Could I use it for a bank deposit?

Accepted Answer

No, gisement strictly refers to a natural or geological deposit, such as a mineral vein, an oil field (un gisement de pétrole), or an archaeological site. If you want to talk about a financial bank deposit, you would use the word un dépôt.

Le roi a découvert un grand gisement, d'où ces émeraudes.

Breakdown of Le roi a découvert un grand gisement, d'où ces émeraudes.

Questions & Answers about Le roi a découvert un grand gisement, d'où ces émeraudes.

Learn Le roi a découvert un grand gisement, d'où ces émeraudes and more in French