Maltese is the national language of Malta, spoken by about 520,000 people. The only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, it blends a Maghrebi Arabic core with countless Italian and English loanwords. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Valletta, Sliema or Gozo.
Maltese (Malti) is one of the most singular languages in Europe. Spoken by about 520,000 people in Malta and the diaspora, it is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet and the only Semitic official language of the European Union. Its base comes from medieval Maghrebi Arabic, brought during Arab rule between the 9th and 13th centuries. Over the centuries, under the Knights of Saint John, British rule and Italian exchanges, Maltese absorbed a huge amount of borrowings from Italian (especially Sicilian) and English. The result is a language whose grammar and everyday words remain Semitic, while modern, technical and religious vocabulary draws massively from Latin and English.
The Maltese alphabet has 30 letters, including specific characters like ħ (aspirated h), ġ (close to English j), ż (voiced z) and the glottal q. This makes the pronunciation both exotic and accessible to French speakers, who quickly recognize Romance loanwords. Almost all Maltese are bilingual in Maltese and English, with English as a co-official language. Italian is widely understood thanks to television and cultural proximity with Sicily.
Traveling to Malta with a few Maltese words instantly changes the quality of interactions: a Bonġu in a bakery, a Grazzi ħafna leaving a taxi, a Saħħa to toast at the cafe. This kit gathers the essentials to greet, ask for directions, order at a restaurant, handle an emergency and leave gracefully. You will also find cultural tips to avoid faux pas and decode local codes: patron saint feasts, family meals, Tallinja buses, ferries to Gozo.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Malta International Airport in the early morning. You cross an agent and say Bonġu, then thank him with Grazzi when he points you to the exit. You add a warm Saħħa before heading to the taxis.
You hop in a taxi in Sliema to reach your accommodation. You give the driver the address using the house (Dar) or the school (Skola) of the neighborhood as a landmark, then ask him to swing by the market (Suq) before the dinner restaurant (Ristorant).
You step into a pastizzeria for breakfast. You order bread (Ħobż) with some water (Ilma), then accept a coffee with milk (Ħalib). The waiter then offers a meat (Laħam) sandwich as the daily special.
You feel unwell after a long day in the sun. You explain to the pharmacist that you have pain in your head (Ras), eyes (Għajn) and ears (Widna), then show your hand (Id) which has a cut so he directs you to a doctor.
On the morning of departure, you leave the hotel with a friendly Ċaw to reception, throw a Merħba to incoming guests, then thank the team with a Grazzi followed by a warm Grazzi ħafna for their welcome.
What you need to know before travelling to a maltais-speaking country.
Almost all Maltese people are bilingual in Maltese and English: you will always be understood in English, but a few Maltese words (Bonġu, Grazzi, Saħħa) instantly open smiles.
The letter ġ sounds like English "j" in jam, ħ is a strongly aspirated h, and ż is the French "z". The q is a glottal stop, like a break in the voice.
Saħħa means "health" and is used both to toast and to say goodbye. It is a must-know word, you will hear it everywhere in cafes and at the table.
Maltese people are very devout: village patron saint feasts (festi) happen almost every summer weekend, with processions, brass bands and fireworks. Respect churches and stay discreet during services.
Meals are warm moments of sharing. Pastizz (cheese or pea pastry) and ftira (round flatbread) come with coffee breaks. Accept what is offered to you, it is a sign of hospitality.
The yellow Tallinja buses serve the whole island, but they can get crowded in high season. Get a rechargeable card to avoid paying cash for every ride.
Italian is very present on TV and in pop culture. Many Maltese people understand it. If you speak it, you will find lots of bridges with Maltese vocabulary and expressions.
Maltese people are proud of their identity. Avoid confusing Malta with Italy or calling Maltese an "Arabic dialect": it is a fully fledged language, official in the European Union.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Jekk jogħġbok
please
Skużi
excuse me / sorry
Kif inti
how are you
Kif intom
how are you (plural/formal)
Tajjeb, grazzi
fine, thanks
Sa għada
see you tomorrow
Il-lejl it-tajjeb
good night
Jien
I / me
Int
you (singular)
Hu
he
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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