Mivel

Mivel is a Hungarian conjunction used to introduce a reason or justification for the action described in the main clause. It translates roughly as "since," "as," or "because" in English and links a subordinate clause to the main clause.

In sentence structure, mivel typically appears at the beginning of the subordinate clause, followed by the main clause: Mivel fáradt volt, hazament. This positioning sets up the cause before the result and is common in both written and formal spoken Hungarian. The verb in the main clause can be in various tenses, while the subordinate clause states the reason.

The exact historical origin of mivel is not clearly documented in standard grammars, but it is a long-standing part of Hungarian syntax. A related form, mivelhogy, emphasizes the causal connection and is used in more formal or emphatic contexts. In everyday speech, mivel is often preferred for presenting a reason in a neutral or explanatory tone, whereas mert is sometimes used more directly, often after the main clause.

Mivel contrasts with other causal connectors by its tendency to front-load the reason, contributing to a more deliberate or explanatory style. It is commonly found in written Hungarian, journalism, and formal conversation, while in casual speech speakers may opt for simpler constructions without a conjunction.

See also: Hungarian conjunctions, mivelhogy, mert, because in Hungarian usage.