Yes, no and the essentials in Maltese
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Maltese words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Maltese phrases in this lesson
- IvaEE-va
- Yes
- Leleh
- No
- TajjebTAY-yeb
- Okay
- Ma nifhimxma nif-HIMSH
- I don't understand
- Tkellem bl-Ingliż?TKEL-lem bl-in-GLEEZ
- Do you speak English?
- Tista' terġa' tgħid?TIS-ta TER-ja tid
- Can you repeat that?
- Bil-mod, jekk jogħġbokbil-MOT, yek yo-OJ-bok
- Slowly, please
- X'inhu dan?shin-HOO dan
- What is this?
- Għandi bżonn...AN-dee BZON
- I need...
- Tista' tgħinni?TIS-ta TIN-nee
- Can you help me?
From Italian "sì" via Latin, but the Maltese form is uniquely "iva". It is the standard affirmative in all registers. Do not confuse it with a name: locals find that amusing but harmless.
Short, clear, and from the Semitic root. A single firm "le" with a slight head shake is universally understood. Softening it with "grazzi" afterward keeps things polite.
Literally "good", but used as "okay/alright" in everyday speech. You will hear it constantly as acknowledgment between Maltese speakers. It also works as a standalone response to "how are you?".
The "-x" suffix is the standard Maltese way to negate a verb. "Nifhem" means "I understand", so "nifhimx" means "I don't understand". Follow it with "Tkellem bl-Ingliż?" to ask for English.
Almost all Maltese people speak fluent English, so this is more a courtesy opener than a real question. Asking in Maltese first is a sign of respect that will be warmly appreciated.
Literally "with care". Everyone also speaks English.