Greetings

1. Bonġu / Merħba

   Hello / Welcome

   Usage

   Common Maltese greetings; Bonġu is used in the morning, Merħba also means welcome

   Grammar Note

   Maltese is the only official EU language with an Arabic-based foundation

2. Grazzi

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Maltese expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   Borrowed from Italian "grazie." "Grazzi ħafna" means "thank you very much"

3. Saħħa

   Goodbye / Cheers

   Usage

   The Maltese farewell, also used as a toast when drinking

   Grammar Note

   From Arabic "ṣaḥḥa" (health). "Ċaw" (from Italian ciao) is also commonly used

4. Iva / Le

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Maltese words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   "Iva" is the basic word for "yes" and "Le" for "no". "Iva" is pronounced "ee-va"

5. Jekk jogħġbok

   Please

   Usage

   The Maltese word for please, used when making polite requests

   Grammar Note

   Literally "if it pleases you" — reflects the Arabic-influenced structure of Maltese

6. Kif inti?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The everyday Maltese way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   The typical reply is "Tajjeb, grazzi" (Good, thank you)

7. Skużani

   Excuse me / I am sorry

   Usage

   Used when addressing a stranger or passing through a crowd

   Grammar Note

   From Italian "scusami" (excuse me). For plural address, "skużawni" is used

8. Ma nifhimx

   I do not understand

   Usage

   Basic phrase when you do not understand what is being said

   Grammar Note

   Maltese negation uses the circumfix "ma...x" around the verb, as in Arabic

9. Titkellem bil-Malti?

   Do you speak Maltese?

   Usage

   Asked when you want to try speaking Maltese or confirm comprehension

   Grammar Note

   "bil-" is a contraction of "bi" (with/in) and the definite article

10. Niġi għandek!

    I will come to see you!

    Usage

    Telling a friend or acquaintance you will visit them

    Grammar Note

    "għandek" is the second person form of "għand" (at the place of), used like "chez vous" in French

11. Fejn hu t-tojlit?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Essential phrase for finding a toilet in any public place

    Grammar Note

    Maltese article "il-" assimilates to the following consonant. "tojlit" starts with "t", so it becomes "t-tojlit"

12. Ma nistax nitkellem bil-Malti

    I can't speak Maltese

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you don't speak Maltese

    Grammar Note

    "ma…x" is the Maltese discontinuous negation. "nistax" = "nista" (I can) + negative "-x"

13. Nerġa' niġi.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop or restaurant

14. Ħadt gost kbir.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said as you part ways

    Grammar Note

    "Ħa gost" is the standard idiom for "to enjoy oneself"

15. Grazzi, narak!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell

16. Il-lejl it-tajjeb

    Good night

    Usage

    Bedtime or nighttime farewell. "Lejl" (night) + "tajjeb" (good)

17. Ta' xejn

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Reply to "Grazzi" (thank you). Literally "for nothing"

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