Basic Words

1. Iva

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Le

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Jekk jogħġbok

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Literally "if it pleases you"; addressing several people it is "jekk jogħġobkom"

4. Grazzi

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   The basic thanks; "Grazzi ħafna" intensifies it

5. Skużi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Used to get attention or to squeeze past someone

6. Jiddispjaċini

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "it displeases me" — a full apology

7. Kollox sew

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Ma nifhimx

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   Negation wraps the verb in "ma ... x"

9. Nifhem

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Lestejt

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Stenna, jekk jogħġbok

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Stenna" is the singular imperative; the plural is "stennew"

12. Mument

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Adult wieħed, jekk jogħġbok

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. M'għandix riżervazzjoni

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Maltese expresses possession with "għand" plus a pronoun suffix; the negative is "m' ... x"

15. Għandi riżervazzjoni

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Għinni, jekk jogħġbok

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Ajjut!"

17. Terġa' tgħid, jekk jogħġbok

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Tkellem bil-mod, jekk jogħġbok

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Nitkellem ftit bil-Malti

    I speak a little Maltese

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Bil-" means "in (a language)"; English is also official in Malta

20. Titkellem bl-Ingliż?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "Bil-" becomes "bl-" before a vowel

21. dan

    This

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand

22. dak

    That

    Usage

    For pointing at something near the other person

23. hawn

    Here

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

24. hemm

    There

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

25. jien

    I

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

26. int

    You

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

27. flimkien

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone

28. iktar

    More

    Usage

    For asking for a larger amount

29. nofs

    Half

    Usage

    For asking for half the amount

30. kollox

    All

    Usage

    For saying you want the whole lot

31. Biżżejjed.

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping a refill or an offer

32. issa stess

    Right now

    Usage

    For conveying urgency

33. persuna waħda

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

34. żewġ persuni

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

35. tliet persuni

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

Browse all TravelPhrases languages