لذا
lidhā
The English word 'so' can be translated into Arabic as لذا (lidhā).
لذا is a conjunction used to introduce the result or consequence of something previously mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The word لذا is a contraction of لـ (for) and ذا (this/that).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal written texts or discussions, you might use إذاً (so/therefore) or بالتالي (therefore/consequently). The word لذلك is also a more formal alternative used in high-register Arabic to mean 'for that reason' or 'therefore'. In contrast, the phrase عشان هيك is common in many Levantine and Egyptian dialects to mean 'so' or 'that's why'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal writing, لذا is often followed by the particle فإنّ to strengthen the connection to the resulting clause.
How do you pronounce it?
lidhā
Did you know?
- The particle فـ (fa) can act as a shorthand 'so' at the start of a sentence, often functioning as a 'glue' that creates an immediate causal link between two ideas.
- In spoken Arabic, a person might say طيب ('okay') at the start of a sentence to function as 'so' when transitioning to a new topic.
- The word لذلك shares a root with ذلك, which is used in the Quran to point to distant or elevated concepts, adding a layer of gravity to the logical consequence.
Examples in context
- الطريق متجمد، لذا انتبه.The road is icy, so take care.This sentence shows how to use لذا to warn someone about a consequence.Tatoeba #4942441 by damascene, translation #280375 by CK
- ليس لدينا الكثير من الوقت لذا أنصت لي جيدا.We have very little time, so listen carefully.This sentence demonstrates using لذا to explain the result of having little time.Tatoeba #4227533 by Alaakhalid, translation #2640248 by CK
- لذا، فإننا نحب الجمل. لكننا نحب اللغات أكثر.So we love sentences. But, even more, we love languages.This sentence shows how لذا can introduce a statement at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #855820 by Samer, translation #704138 by jakov
- المشروع تأخر كثيرًا وبالتالي فسنضطر إلى تغيير الخطة.The project has been delayed significantly, so we will have to change the plan.
- لم نتلقَ تقاريرَ أخرى، إذاً ينبغي الاعتماد على المعلومات المتاحة.We have not received any other reports, so we must rely on the available information.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are discussing a late project at work.
- أحمد Ahmedلقد تأخرنا كثيراً، لذا يجب أن نسرع.Laqad ta'akharna kathiran, lidha yajibu an nusri'a.We are very late, so we must hurry.
- مريم Maryamأنا موافقة، لنبدأ العمل الآن.Ana muwafiqah, linabda' al-'amal al-an.I agree, let's start working now.
- أحمد Ahmedهل أحضرتِ الأوراق المطلوبة؟Hal ahdarti al-awraq al-matluba?Did you bring the required papers?
- مريم Maryamنعم، كل شيء جاهز.Na'am, kullu shay' jahiz.Yes, everything is ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
