Feelings

1. Jien kuntent / kuntenta

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Say "kuntent" if you are male, "kuntenta" if female. The most everyday of the set

2. Jien ferħan / ferħana

   I'm joyful

   Usage

   The ħ is a distinct letter from h; from "ferħ" (joy). A stronger gladness than "kuntent"

3. Jien eċċitat / eċċitata

   I'm excited

   Usage

   The ċ is a distinct letter from c, and here there are two in a row. For anticipation of what's ahead

4. Jien kburi / kburija

   I'm proud

   Usage

   "To be proud of" is "kburi b'..."

5. Jogħġobni

   I like it

   Usage

   Keep the "għ". Literally "it pleases me"; for plural things, "Jogħġbuni"

6. Inħobbok

   I love you

   Usage

   The ħ is a distinct letter from h; the "-ok" ending already carries "you". For partners and family alike

7. Nimmissjak

   I miss you

   Usage

   English "miss" fitted into Maltese verb morphology — widely used in everyday speech. For messages to people you are close to

8. Jien imdejjaq / imdejqa

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For genuine sadness. For a cancelled plan, use "X'ħasra!" instead

9. X'ħasra!

   What a pity!

   Usage

   Keep the apostrophe in "X'" (short for "xi", what a) and the ħ. The standard line for a plan falling through — safe with anyone

10. Jien diżappuntat / diżappuntata

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    The ż is a distinct letter from z. Said to staff it reads as a strong complaint

11. Inħossni waħdi

    I feel alone

    Usage

    Keep both instances of ħ. "Inħoss" is to feel and "waħdi" is on my own

12. Jien irrabjat / irrabjata

    I'm angry

    Usage

    States the fact without shouting — usually the most effective register for a complaint

13. Jien beżgħan / beżgħana

    I'm afraid

    Usage

    Keep the ż and the għ; from "biża'" (fear). In real danger, lead with "Għinni!" (help me)

14. Jien sorpriż / sorpriża

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    The ż is a distinct letter from z. Works for pleasant and unpleasant surprises alike

15. Jien inkwetat / inkwetata

    I'm worried

    Usage

    To reassure someone, say "Toqgħodx tinkwieta" (don't worry)

16. Jien nervuż / nervuża

    I'm nervous

    Usage

    The ż is a distinct letter from z. Before an interview, a talk or a first meeting

17. Jien stressjat / stressjata

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    English "stress" fitted into a Maltese adjective. Useful at a massage to explain what you need

18. Jien mistħi / mistħija

    I'm shy / embarrassed

    Usage

    The ħ is a distinct letter from h; from "mistħija" (shyness). Covers both bashfulness and embarrassment

19. Jien iddejjaqt

    I'm bored / fed up

    Usage

    Same root as "imdejjaq" (sad); it covers being bored or fed up. Fine about yourself, rude if said about someone's tour

20. Jien għajjien / għajjiena

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Do not drop the initial "għ". After a long day on your feet

21. Irrid norqod

    I need to sleep

    Usage

    Literally "I want to sleep". "Ngħas" is the noun for drowsiness and turns up in other phrasings

22. Jien tajjeb / tajba

    I'm fine

    Usage

    The standard reply to "Kif int?" — the same word as "tajjeb" in the adjectives deck

23. Ma nħossnix tajjeb

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The ħ is a distinct letter from h. Maltese negates with "ma ... x" around the verb. Use the body cards to show where

24. Jien kalm / kalma

    I'm calm

    Usage

    To someone else you can say "Ħudha bil-kalma" — take it easy

25. Jien grat / grata

    I'm grateful

    Usage

    Where "grazzi" thanks someone, this states that you feel grateful. "Nirringrazzjak" (I thank you) also works

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