Language Learning

1. Kif tgħid "grazzi" bil-Malti?

   How do you say "thank you" in Maltese?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to say something in Maltese

   Grammar Note

   "bil-" is a contraction of preposition "bi" and definite article "il-"

2. Jekk jogħġbok tkellem aktar bil-mod.

   Please speak more slowly.

   Usage

   Use when someone is speaking too fast

   Grammar Note

   "Jekk jogħġbok" literally "if it pleases you" — the standard Maltese "please"

3. Tista' tikteb dan għalija?

   Can you write it down for me?

   Usage

   Use when you want someone to write something down

   Grammar Note

   "Tista'" is the 2nd person singular of "seta'" (to be able to/can); the following verb is singular too (tikteb)

4. X'tfisser din il-kelma?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Used to ask the meaning of an unfamiliar Maltese word

   Grammar Note

   "X'" is a contracted form of "xiex" (what), used before verbs beginning with consonants

5. Qed nitgħallem il-Malti — nistgħu nitħarrġu flimkien?

   I'm learning Maltese — can we practice together?

   Usage

   Use when looking for a Maltese conversation practice partner

   Grammar Note

   "Qed" is a progressive particle indicating an ongoing action

6. Kif tinqara din?

   How is this pronounced?

   Usage

   Use when asking about the pronunciation of a Maltese word

   Grammar Note

   "tinqara" is the passive form of "qara" (to read): "is read". "din" is "this" (feminine). A standard way to ask how something is read aloud

7. Tista' tirrakkomanda riżors tajjeb biex nitgħallem il-lingwa?

   Can you recommend a good language learning resource?

   Usage

   Use to find resources for learning Maltese

   Grammar Note

   "biex" is a conjunction expressing purpose, equivalent to "in order to"

8. Kif inhu l-aċċent jew id-djalett lokali hawn?

   What is the local accent / dialect like here?

   Usage

   Use to ask about dialect differences across Malta and Gozo

   Grammar Note

   Maltese dialects vary notably between mainland Malta and the island of Gozo

9. Hemm xi avveniment ta' skambju ta' lingwi hawn?

   Is there a language exchange event here?

   Usage

   Use to find language exchange meetups in Valletta or other Maltese cities

   Grammar Note

   "ta'" is the Maltese genitive preposition (of Semitic origin) meaning "of"

10. Jien għadni qed nibda nitgħallem —jekk jogħġbok kun pazjent miegħi!

    I'm a beginner — please be patient with me!

    Usage

    Use to let someone know you are just beginning to learn Maltese

    Grammar Note

    "kun" is the imperative form of "kien" (to be) — "be (patient)"

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