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bi-sabab
due to
بسبب (bi-sabab) is a preposition meaning 'due to,' 'because of,' or 'on account of.' It is used to introduce the cause or reason for something, and is one of the most common causal expressions in Arabic. The word literally translates as 'by reason of' and is always followed by a noun or noun phrase in the genitive case.
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تأخرت عن الاجتماع بسبب الازدحام في الطريق.
Ta'akhkharat 'an al-ijtima' bi-sabab al-izdihām fī al-tarīq.
I was late to the meeting due to traffic on the road.
لم أستطع الذهاب إلى الحفلة بسبب مرضي.
Lam astati' al-dhahāb ilā al-hafla bi-sabab maradī.
I couldn't go to the party because of my illness.
أغلقت المدرسة بسبب الطقس السيء.
Aghlaqa al-madrasa bi-sabab al-taqs al-sayyi'.
The school closed due to bad weather.
فقدت وظيفتي بسبب الأزمة الاقتصادية.
Faqadtu wazīfatī bi-sabab al-azma al-iqtisādiyya.
I lost my job because of the economic crisis.
تحسنت صحتها بسبب الأدوية الجديدة.
Tahassanat sihhatuhā bi-sabab al-adwiya al-jadīda.
Her health improved due to the new medications.
In Arabic communication, explaining the reason behind actions, delays, or decisions is considered polite and important for maintaining relationships. Using بسبب demonstrates thoughtfulness and accountability, which are valued in Arab culture. This word is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, from business communications to everyday conversations among family and friends.
Remember that بسبب is always followed by a noun or noun phrase in the genitive case (the noun after the preposition ب). Do not confuse بسبب with the conjunction لأن (because), which introduces a clause. Use بسبب when you want to mention a specific cause or reason as a noun phrase. Practice pairing it with common nouns like الطقس (weather), المرض (illness), and الازدحام (congestion).
The Arabic word بسبب (bi-sabab) is a preposition that translates to 'due to,' 'because of,' or 'on account of' in English. It is one of the most frequently used causal expressions in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and all Arabic dialects. The literal meaning breaks down as follows: ب (bi) meaning 'by' or 'with,' and سبب (sabab) meaning 'reason' or 'cause.' Together, they create the phrase 'by reason of,' which conveys causality.
One of the most important grammatical features of بسبب is that it must always be followed by a noun or noun phrase in the genitive case. In Arabic grammar, prepositions govern the genitive case, which means the noun following بسبب takes the genitive ending. For example:
The noun phrase can be simple (a single noun) or complex (a noun with adjectives or other modifiers), but it will always appear in the genitive case.
English learners often confuse بسبب with لأن (li-anna), which means 'because.' The key difference is functional: بسبب is a preposition that introduces a noun phrase, while لأن is a conjunction that introduces a complete clause. Consider these examples:
Both convey the same basic meaning, but they function differently grammatically. Learning to distinguish between them is crucial for Arabic fluency.
بسبب appears regularly in both formal and informal Arabic communication. In everyday conversations, people use it to explain delays, cancellations, or reasons for their actions. For example:
In Arab culture, providing an explanation or reason for one's actions is considered polite and demonstrates respect for others' time and expectations. Using بسبب appropriately shows accountability and thoughtfulness. Whether in business communications, social interactions, or formal writing, explaining the cause or reason behind something is an expected part of communication. This reflects the emphasis on relational harmony and clear communication in Arab societies.
To help you master this word, here are several contextual examples:
في الشارع (On the Street): 'لا أستطيع الذهاب معك بسبب انشغالي بالعمل' (I can't go with you because I'm busy with work)
في البيت (At Home): 'تأجلت الحفلة بسبب المرض' (The party was postponed due to illness)
في المدرسة (At School): 'الاختبار أصعب من المتوقع بسبب الأسئلة الكثيرة' (The exam was harder than expected because of many questions)
في العمل (At Work): 'خسرنا المشروع بسبب السعر المرتفع' (We lost the project due to the high price)
To use بسبب correctly and naturally:
بسبب is an essential preposition in Arabic that every learner must master. Its consistent use will improve your ability to express causality naturally and correctly. By understanding its grammatical requirements and practicing with common contexts, you'll find yourself using it as naturally as native speakers do.