I'm learning Filipino

dahil sa — meaning in English: because of

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for because of
magpatuloy
dahil sa
sariling
bubog
kasinungalingan
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Filipino for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native Filipino speakers frequently use 'dahil sa' in both casual and formal conversations to explain reasons or causations. For example, one might say, 'Dahil sa ulan, hindi kami nakapunta sa picnic,' which means 'Because of the rain, we couldn't go to the picnic.' This phrase is often employed in storytelling or during discussions to clarify motives or effects.
Synonyms & nuances
'Dahil sa' is often compared to 'dahil' which also means 'because,' but 'dahil sa' is more specific as it directly ties a cause to an effect. You would choose 'dahil sa' when you want to specify a reason related to a particular subject or event, enhancing clarity in your communication.
Culture
'Dahil sa' has roots in Tagalog, one of the principal languages of the Philippines, reflecting the country's rich linguistic heritage. Culturally, it encapsulates the Filipino tendency to contextualize events by emphasizing causality, often seen in local narratives and folklore. Understanding this phrase can enhance your appreciation of conversational Filipino and storytelling traditions.
FAQ
Q.What does 'dahil sa' mean in English?
'Dahil sa' translates to 'because of' in English, indicating a reason or cause for an action or event.
Q.How do you use 'dahil sa' in a sentence?
You can use 'dahil sa' to explain the reason for something, such as 'Dahil sa traffic, na-late ako sa trabaho,' meaning 'Because of the traffic, I was late to work.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'dahil sa'?
'Dahil sa' should not be used interchangeably with 'dahil' alone, as the latter is more general. Ensure you're linking a cause to a specific effect to use 'dahil sa' correctly.
Learn filipino with Maspeak →
Filipino Vocabulary