għax
The English word 'because' is translated into Maltese as għax.
In more formal or written contexts, you may also use the phrase minħabba li or the word għaliex. Additionally, the word minħabba is used when providing a reason based on specific factors or objects, as it is typically followed by a noun.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Which one should you use?
While għax is the standard way to say 'because', għaliex serves as a more formal version. For written or highly formal situations, the phrase minħabba li is also a common choice.
Did you know?
- While għax is a conjunction, the related word minħabba is derived from the Maltese word for 'love' ħabba or imħabba.
- If you are speaking with someone from Egypt, you might find the word għax sounds remarkably similar to their word ʕashan for 'because'.
- The word għax likely traces its roots back to the Arabic phrase meaning 'on the issue of'.
Examples in context
- Minħabba li għandna bzonn impjant fotovoltajk f'pajjiżna biex noffru enerġija alternattiva u niredu l-emissjonijiet tal-karbonju.Because we need a photovoltaic system in our country to offer alternative energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Example conversation
Maria and Justin are talking about why they are late.
- MariaGħaliex żgħaba ż-żmien, Justin?Why are you late, Justin?
- JustinJ'għax kien hemm anqas traffiku.Because there was less traffic.
- MariaImma l-karruċċa kienet mgħaqqda!But the carriage was stuck!
- JustinIyeh, imma żgħaba ż-żmien għax bdelna t-triq.Yes, but it was fast because we changed the route.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries għax, CC BY-SA 4.0.
