Maltese is hardly the easiest language to learn. Beyond vocabulary and grammar, the language is further coloured by idioms, phrases, inflections and mannerisms that only make sense to someone who has mastered the language. That’s how a native speaker will always recognise a true native speaker.
Here’s an introduction to some of the complexities of simple Maltese phrases. This provides an insight into their meaning, which depends on various inflections in different contexts. It takes practice to master the use of these Maltese phrases appropriately, but it’s fun to try and certainly useful to grasp!
1. Mela (me-la)
‘Mela’ is the most versatile and most commonly used word in the Maltese language. Any foreigner will quickly pick up the frequent ‘mela’ amid all the strange sounds uttered from locals’ mouths. What it means and how to use it is less easy to grasp, however. The use of ‘mela’ ranges from, ‘So …’ when you’re about to begin speaking or tackle something new, to ‘Agreed,’ ‘Of course’ or ‘Obviously’ indicating an absolute ‘Yes,’ to ‘No way!’ (meeela) which is the complete opposite!
2. Uwejja (uu-wey-ya)
Another very versatile word, ‘uwejja’ literally means ‘Oh come on!’ It can also mean ‘please’ when you need to insist, ‘hurry up’ when you’re running out of patience, and ‘you’ve got to be kidding me!’ when you’ve heard something that conjures a sense of disbelief. Like ‘mela’, it’s the intonation, facial expressions and gesticulations that accompany the expression that convey the right meaning in the right context.
3. Bis-serjetà? (biss-ser-ye-ta)
When ‘uwejja’ is used in disbelief, it will often be followed by the question, ‘Bis-serjetà?’ It literally translates as, ‘Seriously?’ and is often used by itself to mean, ‘Really?’ There’s often a hint of sarcasm in the undertone.
4. Jew (yeww)
When the reaction of disbelief or contempt is high, you’ll often find an additional ‘jew?’ at the end of a sentence. Literally translated as ‘or’, it tends to indicate an invitation to prove the opposite is true, as in “Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?” or “Int miġnun, jew? (Are you crazy, or…?)” It can also indicate impatience, as in “Inti ġej, jew?” meaning, “Are you coming, or… (should I leave without you)?”
5. Ta! (tà)
Quite the opposite and in good response to ‘Jew?’ we have ‘Ta!’ There’s simply no arguing with ‘Ta!’ Probably derived from the word ‘Taf’ meaning ‘You know,’ place ‘Ta!’ at the end of a sentence to indicate it is an absolute not to be questioned or discussed. For example, “Issa nwasslek jien, ta!” meaning, “I’ll give you a lift, no discussion!” That’s the kinder version of its use. Another example is, “Ħallini, ta!” meaning “Leave me alone, and don’t even try ignoring this warning!”
6. Mhux hekk? (muush-ekk)
Literally meaning, ‘Isn’t it so?’, ‘Mhux hekk?’ also finds various uses from genuine affirmation (not a question) to pure sarcasm (Whatever/WTF) depending on the context and inflection, as well as mannerisms. It is sometimes simply stated as ‘Hux?’ The cutest thing is that Gozo has its very own version of this which is ‘Ma tafx?’ (pronounced ‘Ma tofx?’ or ma-tofsh) which translates as, ‘Don’t you know?’
7. Ħeqq (he-qq)
Strange filler word this one, because it means nothing at all. It’s more of a gutteral sound used to indicate resignation, to acknowledge someone when stating the obvious, or possibly to semi-incriminate them when they say or do something that’s unwelcome but not bad enough to make you mad.
8. Ajma (aay-ma)
Quite fitting for all the scenarios described above for ‘Ħeqq’, ‘Ajma’ has the additional possibility of relieving anxiety when you state it in a long loud sigh, particularly when you are fed up or bored. ‘Ajma’ actually means ‘Ouch!’ when one is in pain … just that the Maltese take it into the realm of psychological and emotional pain not just the physical kind! ‘U ajma,’ on the other hand, means, ‘Don’t make a fuss!’ or ‘How ridiculous!’
9. Marelli (mar-el-lee)
Interestingly, this expression derives from Malta’s deeply ingrained Catholic faith. This versatile phrase is a non-blasphemous modification of the Holy Mother’s name and is used whenever one might feel scared, sad or even angry! Indeed, both this and the original ‘Madonna’ are widely used in moments of overwhelm or frustration, almost as if calling for divine intervention! Other interesting religious derivatives include ‘Illallu’ and ‘Illistra’, both of which are more commonly used to express surprise or wonder.
10. Bomba! (bom-ba)
Anything we consider cool, that excites us or that fits right into our plans is rejoiced with a ‘Bomba!’ It actually means ‘bomb’ and you can just picture the explosive sensation that is conveyed with the word.
11. Ħi (hee)
‘Ħi’ probably stems from ‘Ħija’ meaning ‘brother’ and can be used in different scenarios. It will often be used in the absence of knowing one’s name. Or as a term of endearment. Or even in condescension! Again, the opposing variations will depend a lot on the tone of voice, the context and the relationship in question. Got it, ħi?
To wrap it up
You may be surprised to discover that these Maltese phrases are just enough for the locals to have a complete conversation. The following statements could typically arise in a scenario when something has been announced that creates concern in one but excitement in another.
“Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?”
“Mela, ħi! Mhux hekk?”
“Ħeqq! Marelli!”
“U ajma! Bomba, ta!”
Isn’t it marvellous?
