sebab — meaning in English: reason

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Guess the translation for reason

memahami

sebab

tangguh

keberuntungan

dua belas

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'sebab' in everyday conversations when explaining motivations or causes. For example, someone might say, 'Saya tidak pergi ke kelas kerana sebab hujan,' meaning 'I did not go to class because of the rain.' It’s also common in discussions about personal decisions or events, like when choosing a restaurant or a travel destination.

Synonyms & nuances

'Sebab' is often compared to 'alas,' which also means reason but is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation. You might choose 'sebab' when speaking with friends or family, while 'alas' might be reserved for a formal discussion or writing.

Culture

'Sebab' has its roots in Arabic, where it means causal or reason. It reflects the strong influence of Arabic on the Malay language, especially in terms of vocabulary related to reasoning, religion, and everyday life. Interestingly, the word is often used in proverbs, such as 'Ada sebab di sebalik setiap kejadian,' which translates to 'There is a reason behind every event,' highlighting the cultural value placed on understanding the reasons for actions.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 'sebab' in Malay?

'Sebab' means 'reason' in English. It is commonly used to explain the cause or motivation behind an action or decision.

Q.How do you use 'sebab' in a sentence?

You can use 'sebab' in sentences like 'Saya tidak datang kerana sebab kerja,' which means 'I did not come because of work.' It's a straightforward way to explain why something happened.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'sebab'?

A common mistake is confusing 'sebab' with 'kerana,' which also means 'because.' While they are similar, 'sebab' is used more to define reasons, while 'kerana' is typically used to introduce causal relationships.

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Malay Vocabulary