Slang

1. Mela!

   Of course! / well then

   Usage

   The signature Maltese word. It can mean "of course", "well then" or "so?" — context and intonation decide. Safe with anyone

2. ta'

   …you know (sentence tag)

   Usage

   A sentence-final particle that adds emphasis: "Sabiħ ta'!" — it really is lovely. The apostrophe is part of the spelling. For conversation, not for writing

3. Aw!

   Hey! / hi

   Usage

   The most casual greeting — "Aw, kif int?" for "hey, how are you?". For friends your age; with strangers or elders use "Bonġu" or "Bonswa"

4. Ħeqq...

   Well... / I suppose

   Usage

   The ħ is a distinct letter from h. The filler for hesitating or resigning yourself to something — you will hear it constantly. Safe with anyone

5. Ejja!

   Come on! / let's go

   Usage

   The imperative of "to come" — an invitation, a nudge or encouragement. Fine with friends and colleagues

6. Isma'

   Listen / hey

   Usage

   The imperative of "to listen"; the final apostrophe is part of the spelling. For opening a remark to a friend — with staff use "Skużi"

7. Prosit!

   Well done! / congratulations

   Usage

   From Latin, and used constantly in Malta for congratulations and for praise alike. Appropriate with anyone, elders included

8. Xi ġmiel!

   How beautiful!

   Usage

   The ġ is a distinct letter from g; "ġmiel" is beauty. For praising a view or a building. Safe with anyone

9. Saħħa!

   Cheers! / see you

   Usage

   Keep both instances of ħ. It means "health", and serves both as a goodbye and as a toast. Safe with anyone

10. Ċaw

    Bye

    Usage

    The ċ is a distinct letter from c; from Italian "ciao". Used only on parting, never on arrival. Fine with friends and shop staff

11. X'aħbar?

    What's the news? / how's things?

    Usage

    Keep the apostrophe and the ħ. Literally "what news?" — a more casual way to ask how someone is than "Kif int?". For friends and regulars

12. Mhux problema

    No problem

    Usage

    "Mhux" is the negative "not". A relaxed reply to a request or an apology. Safe with anyone

13. Kollox sew

    All's well / it's all good

    Usage

    Literally "everything right". Both an answer to "how are you?" and a way to reassure someone. Safe with anyone

14. Ħudha bil-kalma

    Take it easy

    Usage

    The ħ is a distinct letter from h. Literally "take it with calm" — for settling someone who is rushing. For friends and colleagues

15. Ħi

    Mate (literally "my brother")

    Usage

    The ħ is a distinct letter from h. It means "my brother" and is dropped into a sentence as a familiar address. Only with friends your own age — never with strangers or elders

16. fenkata

    Fenkata (a rabbit feast)

    Usage

    From "fenek" (rabbit) — a long evening with friends over rabbit spaghetti followed by rabbit stew. A cornerstone of Maltese social life, best in the inland villages. Safe with anyone

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