The Maltese Language: A Guide for Visitors
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 8 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is well known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and diverse culture. But did you know that Malta also has its own language that is unlike any other in the world? The Maltese language, or Malti, is the official language of Malta, along with English. It is spoken by a large majority of the 520,000 people living in Malta and Gozo, but also by some communities in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.
The Maltese language is a fascinating mix of influences from different languages and cultures. It is derived from a form of Arabic that was spoken in Sicily and Malta during the 9th to 12th centuries, but it also incorporates elements from Italian, Sicilian, French, and English. It is the only Semitic language that is written in the Latin alphabet, and it has a unique phonology and grammar that make it stand out among other languages.
If you are planning to visit Malta, you don’t need to worry much about how to communicate with the locals as English is widely spoken, but it’s always good to learn a few useful phrases and words that you can use during your trip. Whether you want to greet someone, order food, ask for directions, or express gratitude, we will help you master the basics of this unique language.
The history of the Maltese language
Well In Town Square | Image by Martina Wildtová on Pixabay
The Maltese language has a long and complex history that reflects the various influences that have shaped Malta over the centuries. The origins of the language can be traced back to the Arab conquest of Sicily and Malta in the 9th century AD. The Arabs brought with them a form of Arabic that was spoken in North Africa and influenced by Berber languages. This Arabic dialect was adopted by the local population and became the basis of the Maltese language.
The Arab rule lasted until the 11th century, when the Normans invaded Sicily and Malta and introduced their own languages: Latin, French, and Sicilian. These languages had a significant impact on the vocabulary and syntax of Maltese, as many words were borrowed or adapted from them. For example, the word for “house” in Maltese is “dar”, which comes from Arabic, but the word for “door” is “bieb”, which comes from Latin.
The next major influence on the Maltese language came from the Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. The Knights were a religious and military order that came from various European countries and spoke different languages. They brought with them words from Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French. For example, the word for “hospital” in Maltese is “sptar”, which comes from Italian “ospedale”.
The British occupation of Malta from 1800 to 1964 also had a significant impact on the Maltese language. The British introduced English as an official language and as a medium of education and administration. Many English words were incorporated into the Maltese vocabulary, especially in the fields of science, technology, commerce, and politics. For example, the word for “car” in Maltese is “karozza”, which comes from English “carriage”.
Today, the Maltese language is a vibrant and dynamic language that continues to evolve and adapt to new realities and influences. It has been recognised as an official language of the European Union since 2004 and as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage since 2018. It is also a source of pride and identity for many Maltese people, who cherish their linguistic heritage.
The alphabet of the Maltese language
Mgarr Gozo | Image byPete Linforth from Pixabay
The Maltese alphabet consists of 30 letters: 24 consonants and 6 vowels (a,e,i,o,u,ie). Some letters (like “g” and “ġ” or “h” and “ħ”) might look like they just have an accent, but they are considered separate consonants that might follow different rules and have different sounds. Here are some examples:
- ċ sounds like ch in “church” (ċavetta = key)
- g sounds like g in go (gallettina = biscuit)
- ġ sounds like j in jam (ġeru = puppy)
- h is usually a silent letter and not pronounced
- ħ sounds like h in “hat” (ħaruf = sheep)
- j sounds like y in “yellow” (jien = I)
- għ in Maltese is considered a single letter and is a silent letter
- x sounds like sh in “shoe” (xemx = sun)
- z sounds like ts in “tsar” (the Russian emperor) (zalzett = sausage)
- ż sounds like z in zerba (żarbun = shoe)
What are some common Maltese words and expressions?
The Maltese will definitely appreciate any effort made by visitors to use the Maltese language, so learning a few basic words and phrases can go a long way. Here are some essentials:
Greetings and introductions
St Paul's Islands | Image by Amante Darmanin on Flickr
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| Hello | The Maltese just say “Hello” or “Hi” :) |
| Good Morning | Bonġu (derived from bonjour in French) or Il-lejl it-tajjeb |
| Good Night/Evening | Bonswa (dervied from bonsoir in French) |
| Goodbye | Ċaw (from italian Ciao) or Saħħa (which actually means health) |
| How are you? | Kif int? (singular) or Kif intom? (plural) |
| I’m fine, thank you | Tajjeb grazzi |
| What’s your name? | X’jismek? (singular) or X’jismikom? (plural) |
| My name is … | Jien jismini … |
| Where are you from? | Minn fejn int? (singular) or Minn fejn intom? (plural) |
| I’m from … | Jien minn … |
| Nice to meet you | Għandi pjaċir |
| Excuse me | Skużani |
| Sorry | Jiddispjaċini |
| Thank you | Grazzi |
| Welcome | Merħba |
| You’re welcome | Ta Xejn (meaning It’s Nothing) |
Asking for help and information
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| Do you speak English? | Titkellem bl-Ingliż? |
| I don’t speak Maltese | Ma nitkellimx bil-Malti |
| I don’t understand | Ma nifhimx |
| Can you repeat that? | Tista’ tirrepeti? |
| Can you write that down? | Tista’ tiktiba? |
| Can you help me? | Tista’ tgħinni? |
| Where is …? | Fejn hu …? |
| How much is …? | Kemm hu …? |
| What time is it? | X’ħin hu? |
| When is …? | Meta hu …? |
| Why is …? | Għaliex hu …? |
| How do I get to …? | Kif nassal għal …? |
Ordering food and drinks
Luzzu at Marsaxlokk | Image by Alehandra13 from Pixabay
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| I would like/wish … | Nixtieq … |
| A table for two, please | Mejda għal tnejn, jekk jogħġbok |
| The menu, please | Il-menu, jekk jogħġbok |
| Water | Ilma |
| Wine | Inbid |
| Beer | Birra |
| Coffee | Kafè |
| Tea | Tè |
| Butter | Butir |
| Oil | Żejt |
| Salt | Melħ |
| Pepper | Bżar |
| Milk | Ħalib |
| Bread | Ħobż |
| Cheese | Ġobon |
| Meat | Laħam |
| Fruit | Frott |
| Vegetable | Ħaxix |
| Fish | Ħut |
| Chicken | Tiġieġa |
| Salad | Insalata |
| Soup | Soppa |
| Pasta | Ġħaġin |
| Dessert | Deżerta |
| Ice cream | Ġelat |
| Bon appetit | L-Ikla t-tajba |
| The bill, please | Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok |
Shopping and bargaining
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| I’m just looking, thanks | Qed nara biss, grazzi |
| Do you have …? | Għandek …? |
| I like this | Dan jogħġobni |
| I don’t like this | Dan ma jogħġobnix |
| How much does this cost? | Kemm jiswa dan? |
| That’s too expensive | Dan għoli wisq |
| Can you give me a discount? | Tista’ traħasli xi ħaġa? |
| I’ll take it | Se nieħu dan |
Expressing opinions and feelings
Blue Lagoon | Image by Ruben Holthuijsen on Flickr
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| I think that … | Naħseb li … |
| I agree with you | Naqbel miegħek |
| I disagree with you | Ma naqbilx miegħek |
| I’m happy | Jien kuntent |
| I’m sad | Jien imdejjaq |
| I’m angry | Jien irrabjat |
| I’m sorry | Jien dispjecut |
| I’m tired | Jien għajjien |
| I’m hungry | Jien ġħandi il-ġuħ |
| I’m thirsty | Jien ġħandi l-ġħatx |
| I’m cold | Qed inħoss il-bard |
| I’m hot | Qed inħoss is-sħanna |
Learning some Maltese words
If you want to impress the locals and learn some Maltese words, here are some common and useful ones that you can use:
| English | Maltese |
|---|---|
| Yes | Iva |
| No | Le |
| Friend | Ħabib (m) or Ħabiba (f) |
| Love | Imħabba |
| Peace | Paċi |
| Sun | Xemx |
| Moon | Qamar |
| Star | Stilla |
| Sky | Sema |
| Sea | Baħar |
| Sand | Ramel |
| Rock | Blat |
| Flower | Fjura |
| Tree | Siġra |
| Bird | Għasfur |
Maltese cities and villages
Some Maltese towns and cities are known by two names. One would be the original name the locality has always been known by, while the second is usually either a translation to English or a different word entirely. Most of these alternative names were given by people like the British, who, when they used to rule over the islands, found the original name too difficult to pronounce.
| Maltese name | Alternative Name |
|---|---|
| Birgu | Vittoriosa |
| Bormla | Cospicua |
| L-Isla | Senglea |
| Għawdex | Gozo |
| Kemmuna | Comino |
| Il-Belt | Valletta |
| Raħal Ġdid | Paola |
| Wied il-Għajn | Marsaskala |
| Hararaw | Għargħur |
| San Pawl il-Baħar | St. Paul’s Bay |
Conclusion
The Inlet Sea at Dwejra
The Maltese language is a unique and fascinating language that reflects the rich and diverse history and culture of Malta. It is a language that combines elements from Arabic, Italian, English, and other languages, creating a distinctive and expressive way of communicating that is spoken by proud and friendly people who love to share their heritage and traditions with visitors.
We hope that this guide has given you an introduction to the Maltese language, its history, its features, and some useful phrases and words that you can use during your trip to Malta. We hope that you will enjoy learning and speaking this amazing language and that you will have a wonderful time in Malta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maltese language hard to learn?
The Maltese language is not hard to learn if you have some background in Arabic, Italian, or English, as you will recognise many words and structures from these languages. However, it can be challenging if you are not familiar with these languages, as you will have to learn a new alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The best way to learn the Maltese language is to practise it with native speakers and immerse yourself in the culture and media of Malta.
How do you say "The Maltese Language" in Maltese?
The Maltese language is called "Il-Lingwa Maltija" in Maltese. The word "lingwa" means "language" and comes from Latin "lingua". The word "Maltija" means "Maltese" and comes from Arabic "malta".
What does "Mela" mean in Maltese?
You will definitely hear a lot of Maltese say the word mela. Mela is a filler word that can mean "well", "so", "then", or "of course". It can be used to start a sentence, to agree with someone, or to express surprise. For example, "Mela x'inhu dan?" which translates to "Well, what is this?" or "Mela tajjeb" which translates to "So all good".
What does "Saħħa" mean in Maltese?
Saħħa is a word that can mean "health", "strength", or "cheers". It can be used to greet someone, say goodbye, wish someone well, or toast with a drink.
