Malta is a culturally rich island with a unique history and a language influenced by many cultures. Most people in Malta speak English fluently, but Maltese is their native language- a mix of Arabic, Italian, and English, and the only Semitic language written in Latin script.

However, as more people use English, some Maltese worry that their language might be fading away. By learning and using a few Maltese phrases during your visit, you can make your experience more special and show that you appreciate the local culture. The Maltese will value your efforts to help keep their language alive.

Pronunciation Guide

Maltese is a unique language that combines elements from Arabic, Italian, and English. This mix gives it a distinct pronunciation that may be unfamiliar to many visitors. Learning the correct pronunciation of key phrases can greatly improve your communication with locals and help you be understood.

Vowel Sounds

• A as in “father”
• E as in “bed”
• I as in “machine”
• O as in “more”
• U as in “food”
• IE as in “niece”

Consonants

• Ċ pronounced like “ch” in “chess” (e.g., “Ċaw” for “bye”)
• Ġ pronounced like “j” in “jewel” (e.g., “Ġawrha” for “jewel”)
• G pronounced like “g” as in “go” (e.g., “Grazzi” for “thank you”)
• H is silent in most words but adds a slight breathy sound.
• Ħ is pronounced like a strong “h” with more emphasis (e.g., “Ħafna” for “many”).
• Q is a glottal stop, similar to the sound in “uh-oh.”
• Għ is pronounced as a silent letter or a soft “a” sound, depending on the word (e.g., “Għandi” for “I have”).
• Ż is pronounced like “z” in “azure” (e.g., “Żmien” for “time”).
• Z is pronounced like “ts” in “cats” (e.g., “Zalzett” for “sausage”). 

Must-Know Maltese Phrases

Here are some essential Maltese phrases that will help you during your time in Malta. Whether you’re greeting people, ordering food, or asking for directions, these phrases will make it easier to communicate with locals. Keep this list with you as you explore the island, and try using these phrases to make your experience in Malta even better.

Greetings and Farewells

• “Bonġu” (Good morning)
• “L-għodwa t-tajba” (Good morning, formal)
• “Il-lejl it-tajjeb” (Good night)
• “Il-waranofsinhar it-tajjeb” (Good afternoon)
• “Kif int?” (How are you?)
• “Kollox sew?” (Is everything okay?)
• “Tajjeb, grazzi.” (Good, thank you.)
• “Ċaw” (Bye)
• “Saħħa” (Take care)

Common Social Phrases and Basic Courtesy

• “Grazzi” (Thank you)
• “Jekk jogħġbok” (Please)
• “Skużani” (Excuse me/I’m sorry)
• “Tajjeb ħafna” (Very good)
• “Jien…” (I am…)
• “Jien minn…” (I am from…)
• “X’jismek?” (What’s your name?)
• “Jien jisimni…” (My name is…)
• “Fejn toqgħod?” (Where do you live?)

Food and Drinks

• “Nista’ nara l-menu?” (Could I see the menu?)
• “X’għandek tajjeb illum?” (What’s today’s special?)
• “Nixtieq nordna jekk jogħġbok” (I’d like to order please)
• “Tista’ ġġib il-kont, jekk jogħġbok?” (Could you please get the bill?)
• “Flixkun ilma kiesaħ jekk jogħġbok” (One bottle of cold water please)
• “Tista’ tirrakkomanda xi ħaġa?” (Could you recommend something?)
• “X’għandek tal-ħelu?” (What’s for dessert?)

Getting Around and Asking for Directions

• “Tista’ tgħinni?” (Can you help me?)
• “Fejn hi l-venda tal-karozzi tal-linja?” (Where is the bus station?)
• “X’ħin tasal tal-linja li jmiss?” (What time is the next bus?)
• “Fejn nista’ nsib…?” (Where can I find…?)
• “Kif immur…?” (How do I get to…?)
• “Fejn hu l-eqreb ATM?” (Where’s the closest ATM?)
• “Xellug” (Left)
• “Lemin” (Right)
• “Kemm hemm bogħod?” (How far is it?)
• “Jiena turist” (I’m a tourist)
• “Tista’ tiktibhieli?” (Could you write that down for me?)

Shopping and Bargaining

• “Kemm jiswa/tiswa?” (How much does it cost? “Jiswa” for masculine nouns and “tiswa” for feminine nouns)
• “Tista’ tniżżel il-prezz?” (Can you lower the price?)
• “Wisq għoli/għolja” (This is too expensive. “Għoli” for masculine nouns and “għolja” for feminine nouns)
• “Nixtieq inħallas bil-kard” (I want to pay by card)
• “M’għandix flus fuqi” (I’m not carrying any cash)
• “Ma rridx, grazzi” (I don’t want it, thank you) 
• “Nista’ nara?” (Could I see it up close?)
• “Tieħu card?” (Do you accept card transactions?)

Emergency Phrases

• “Mhux inħossni f’sikkti” (I’m not feeling well)
• “Ċempel tabib” (Call a doctor)
• “Ċempel ambulanza” (Call an ambulance)
• “Nar!” (Fire!)
• “Tlift il-passapport” (I lost my passport)
• “Fejn hu l-isptar?” (Where’s the hospital?)
• “Ajjut!” (Help!)
• “Għinni” (Help me)

Additional Useful Phrases

• “Nista’ nħalli l-bagalji hawnhekk?” (Can I leave my luggage here?) 
• “Għandi mistoqsija” (I have a question)
• “X’ħin hu?” (What time is it?)
• “Nista’ nkellem lil xiħadd li jitkellem bl-Ingliż?” (Can I speak to someone who speaks English?)
• “Nista’ niġi lura iktar tard?” (Can I come back later?) 

Stay at Be.HOTEL: The Perfect Base for Your Maltese Adventure

As you prepare to explore Malta, finding the right place to stay is key. Be.HOTEL in the heart of St. Julian’s is an excellent choice, offering comfort, style, and convenience. Located near major attractions, restaurants, and shops, it’s the perfect base for exploring Maltese culture and practicing phrases like “Fejn hi l-bajja?” (Where is the beach?) and “Nixtieq nordna jekk jogħġbok” (I’d like to order, please).

Be.HOTEL offers a variety of rooms, from cozy Standard Rooms to spacious Terrace Suites with stunning views. After a day of sightseeing, relax with amenities like free Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, and mini-bars.

The hotel’s facilities include indoor and outdoor pools and a gym, perfect for unwinding. Its location in a vibrant shopping and entertainment area ensures you can easily continue your cultural experience nearby.

Conclusion

While Malta is also an English-speaking country, making it easy to communicate during your visit, learning and using a few Maltese phrases can greatly enhance your experience. The locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language, which is unique to this tiny island.

Staying at Be.HOTEL in St. Julian’s will further enrich your trip. Its central location, excellent amenities, and closeness to major attractions make it the perfect place to base your Maltese adventure. Book directly with be.HOTEL to enjoy the best price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival, and a 5% discount.