Maltese, an official language of Malta alongside English, is a Semitic language with substantial borrowing from Italian, Sicilian, and English. Its unique linguistic makeup makes it a fascinating subject for language learners, providing insights into the rich cultural tapestry of Malta. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Maltese, designed to help you navigate various social interactions on the islands.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Ħelow” / “Bongu” (informal morning greeting)
• Good morning – “L-għodwa t-tajba”
• Good afternoon – “Il-ġurnata t-tajba”
• Good evening – “Il-lejl it-tajjeb”
• Goodbye – “Ċaw” (informal) / “Saħħa” (formal)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Ismi [name].”
• This is [name]. – “Dan/Din hu/hija [name].” (Use “Dan” for male and “Din” for female)
• I am from [country]. – “Jien minn [country].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Jien ngħix f'[city/place].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Fejn hu l-[place]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Kif nista’ nasal għand [place]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Dan hu t-triq għal [place]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Tista’ turieli fuq il-mappa?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Skużani, ma nifhimx.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Tista’ terġa’ tgħidli, jekk jogħġbok?”
• I mean… – “Nifhem li…”
• What does [word] mean? – “X’inhu t-tifsir ta’ [word]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Narak iktar tard”
• Take care – “Oqgħod attent/a” (Use “attent” for male and “attenta” for female)
• Have a good day – “Ikollok ġurnata tajba”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Nixtieq nibbukkja kamra.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Nista’ nara l-menu, jekk jogħġbok?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Jien veġetarjan/a.”
• The bill, please. – “Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Kemm dan jiswa?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Għandek dan f’daqs ieħor?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Qed inħares biss, grazzi.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Nista’ nħallas bil-kard?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Inti sabiħa.” / “Int sabiħ.”
• I miss you. – “Nixtieqek/nixtieqek hawn.”
• I love you. – “Inħobbok.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Tixtieq toħroġ miegħi?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Għajnuna!”
• Call the police! – “Ċempel lill-pulizija!”
• I need a doctor. – “Għandi bżonn tabib.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Fejn hu l-isptar l-eqreb?”

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Maltese. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Maltese media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Maltese.