5 Maltese words you need to know

As you may know, Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Most of the time, you’ll likely be using English, which is why in this article we want to encourage you to learn a few essential words in Maltese. Read to the end of this blog post to discover 5 Maltese words you need to know.

But first things first –  let’s get to know a bit about the Maltese language itself

Maltese is truly unique – it’s the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet. It has strong Arabic roots, which are clearly visible in its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. In fact, it’s estimated that around 40% of Maltese vocabulary comes from Arabic. But that’s not all. Due to Malta’s geographical location, Italian and Sicilian influences are also very prominent. Over time, Maltese has absorbed elements from Italian, French, and English, making it a fascinating blend of cultures and sounds.

These words not only give you a glimpse into the Maltese language, but also allow you to immerse yourself in a new culture and better understand the language that will surround you every day during your stay in Malta.

Ready to learn 5 Maltese words during your stay at Atlas?

Whenever you meet someone, you say something like: Hi, what’s up? The Maltese equivalent of How are you? is “Kif inti?”

Another word you’ll see many, many times while walking around or checking directions on Google Maps is “triq” – which means street. The most important thing to remember is that the “q” is silent in Maltese.

While in Malta, you’ll likely enjoy plenty of beautiful, sunny weather. At first, you’ll love it – but eventually a day will come when the heat might get a little overwhelming, and you may feel like complaining. That’s when the phrase “Xi sħana!” – which means “Wow, it’s really hot!” – comes in handy.

Another essential word you’ll use every day is thank you. In Maltese, it’s similar to Italian but with a slight twist: instead of the Italian “grazie”, in Maltese you say “grazzi.”

The final word – number five – is also one of the most popular. You’ll hear it everywhere in Maltese conversations: “mela.” It’s a versatile expression with many meanings, including of course, alright, sure, yes, okay, or even “yes, really.”

Curious how to pronounce the 5 Maltese words?

If you’d like to become more familiar with these Maltese words and hear their correct pronunciation from a local speaker – definitely check out the Instagram reel, where our previous teacher Michael, who is originally from Malta, shared with us 5 Maltese words you need to know.

Do you want to learn more about the Maltese language? Check it out: The Origins of Maltese: A Linguistic History – Animascorp.