Essential Maltese Phrases for International Students in Malta

Are you an international student preparing for an adventure in Malta? Whether you’re a student at the Global College Malta or here for just part of the year, learning some friendly Maltese expressions can make all the difference in making you feel confident and at home!

Maltese is a unique and vibrant language that gives Malta its identity, although English is widely used, especially in cities and schools. A few words in Maltese will be beneficial to you as you will be able to engage with the local people, travel without any challenges, and get to know the lovely Mediterranean lifestyle to the core!

Why Learn Maltese as an International Student?

A Gateway to Maltese Culture

Even though practically all Maltese are good English speakers, Maltese is the official language and, thus, is deeply embedded in the identity of the country. Learning even the simplest words of the language can provide you with opportunities to get to the heart of the local community.

Useful in Day-to-Day Interactions

Whether it is placing an order in a coffee shop or inquiring from a local in a Maltese town, the use of Maltese expressions will make your life more interesting every day.

Cultural Appreciation

Trying to master the language of the people who welcome you in their country is an effective way to show your respect and your recognition of culture, and these are invaluable tools for building relationships and gaining knowledge.

Basic Maltese Greetings (with Pronunciation)

1. Good morning – Bongu (Bon-ju)
2. Good afternoon – Wara nofsinhar it-tajjeb (wa-ra nof-sin-har it-tyeb)
3. Good evening – Il-lejla t-tajba (il-lay-la t-ty-ba)
4. Good night – Il-lejl it-tajjeb (il-layl it-tyeb)
5. Goodbye – Ċaw (chow) / Sahha (sa-ha)
6. Please – Jekk jogħġbok (yekk yo-jbok)
7. Thank you – Grazzi (graht-si) 
8. Excuse me / Sorry – Skużani (skoo-za-ni)

Getting Around: Directions & Travel (with Pronunciation) 

1. Where is…? – Fejn hu…? (fayn hoo) 
2. Left – Xellug (shel-loog)
3. Right – Lemin (le-min)
4. Straight – Dritt (drit)
5. I’m lost – Intlift (int-lift) 
6. How much does it cost? – Kemm jiswa? (kem yis-wa) 

Everyday Phrases and Conversations (with Pronunciation) 

1. How are you? – Kif inti? (kif in-ti) 
2. I’m fine, thank you – Tajjeb, grazzi (tayeb graht-si) 
3. What’s your name? – X’jismek? (sh-iss-mek) 
4. My name is… – Jien jisimni… (yeen yis-sim-ni) 
5. Nice to meet you – Jiena kuntent li ltqajna (yee-na kun-tent lee ilt-yna) 
6. Do you speak English? – Titkellem bl-Ingliż? (tit-kel-lem bling-leez?) 
7. I don’t understand – Ma nifhimx (ma nif-himsh) 

At a Restaurant or Café (with Pronunciation) 

1. Water – Ilma (il-ma)
2. Coffee – Kafè (ka-fe)
3. Tea – (tee) 
4. I would like… – Nixtieq… (nish-ti-eh) 
5. The bill, please – Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok (il-kont, jekk yoj-bok)

Cultural Tips for Language Use

Be Polite

Maltese people appreciate courtesy. Always say grazzi (thank you) and jekk jogħġbok (please) when asking for something.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t worry about making mistakes, locals are usually more than happy to help you out or correct you kindly.

Use English When in Doubt

If you’re struggling with Maltese, it’s perfectly acceptable to switch to English.