dahil
/ˈdahil/literally
The Tagalog word for "because" is dahil.
dahil is used to express the reason for something, meaning "by or for the cause that" or "for the reason that". It can also serve as a one-word answer to the question "why". For added emphasis on the reason, you can use the phrase dahil nga. Additionally, combining dahil with kaya allows you to express both the cause and the resulting effect within a single sentence.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Which one should you use?
While dahil is a standard way to express a reason, kasi is the most common choice for informal speech. For formal or academic writing, you might use Yamang interchangeably with dahil or use the more formal-sounding Sapagkat, which is also appropriate in informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "because of" followed by a noun phrase rather than a full clause, you should use the phrase dahil sa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdahil/
Did you know?
- The Tagalog word dahil is actually a scrambled version of its Malay ancestor dalih, a linguistic phenomenon known as metathesis.
- The concept of 'because' in Tagalog can be expressed through different words depending on whether the speaker is explaining a fact or making an excuse.
- While dahil explains a reason, the related word dahilan is used to name the specific 'reason' or 'cause' as a noun.
Examples in context
- Iyan ay dahil babae ka.That's because you're a girl.This sentence illustrates the use of dahil to explain a reason.Tatoeba #11963063 by qwertzu, translation #1348 by CK
- Nahuli kami dahil ng bagyo.We were late because of the storm.This sentence shows how dahil is used to express a cause.Tatoeba #1851467 by nonong, translation #249479 by CK
- Nahuli si Tom dahil may trapik.Tom was late because there was a traffic jam.This sentence demonstrates using dahil before a clause to explain a reason.Tatoeba #11501359 by qwertzu, translation #9982053 by CK
- Hindi ako pumunta sa party dahil may trabaho ako.I didn't go to the party because I have work.
- Hindi ako pumunta sa party dahil nga may trabaho ako.I didn't go to the party because I really have work.
- Hindi ako pumunta sa party dahil may trabaho ako, kaya hindi ako makakasama.I didn't go to the party because I have work, so I can't join.
- 118 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are talking in a park about why Maria is late.
- JuanBakit ngayon ka lang?Why are you only arriving now?
- MariaDahil sa trapik.Because of the traffic.
- JuanMabuti at nakarating ka pa rin.It's good that you still arrived.
- MariaOo, dahil hindi naman umulan.Yes, because it didn't rain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries dahil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dahil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
