bait-

See also: bait

Basque

Alternative forms

• bai- (see usage notes)

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bai̯t/, [bai̯t̪]

Conjunction

bait-

1. because, since

   Gose gara, ez baitugu janaririk.

   We're hungry because we don't have any food.

2. who, which

Usage notes

• When attached to verbs beginning with d-, the initial d- is deleted.

  ‎bait- + ‎da (“it is”) → ‎baita (“since it is”).

• When attached to verbs beginning with g-, the initial g- is devoiced to -k-.

  ‎bait- + ‎gara (“we are”) → ‎baikara (“since we are”).

• When attached to verbs beginning with z-, the initial z- is affricated to -tz-.

  ‎bait- + ‎zara (“you are”) → ‎baitzara (“since you are”).

• In other cases, the alternative form bai- is used.

  ‎bait- + ‎naiz (“I am”) → ‎bainaiz (“since I am”).

Further reading

• “bait-”, in Orotariko Euskal Hiztegia, Euskaltzaindia, 1987–2005