Maltese Phrases Every Traveller Needs to Know

Planning a trip to Malta? Then you’ll want more than just your sunscreen and swimwear—you’ll want a few Maltese phrases in your pocket too. Maltese, or Lingwa Maltija, is a one-of-a-kind language. It’s the only Semitic language that uses the Latin alphabet, blending Arabic roots with Italian and English influences.

Whether you’re grabbing a pastizz in Valletta or catching a bus to the Blue Grotto, knowing a few key Maltese words helps you connect with locals—and shows you’ve made the effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Maltese greetings, useful travel phrases, and colourful Maltese sayings and idioms that give the language its unmistakable charm.

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Maltese Greetings

Locals in Malta are famously friendly, so don’t be surprised if a simple smile gets you far. Still, knowing how to greet people properly in Maltese goes a long way in making a great first impression.

Start your morning with a cheerful “Bongu” (pronounced bon-ju), the go-to Maltese greeting during the early hours. It’s like saying “good morning,” and it’ll earn you an instant nod of appreciation. Later in the day, switch it up to “Bonswa” (bon-swaa), especially around sunset or when walking into a restaurant for dinner.

When it’s time to say goodbye, “Ċaw” (cha-w) is your casual go-to—much like the Italian ciao. In more formal settings, or when you’re bidding someone a heartfelt farewell, use “Saħħa” (sah-ha), meaning good health.

Want to ask someone how they’re doing? Say “Kif inti?” (kif int-ee?). It’s a great conversation starter, and you might hear replies like “Tajjeb ħafna” (very good) or “Mhux ħazin” (not bad).

These simple Maltese greetings open doors, spark conversations, and help you feel at home from the moment you step off the plane.

Useful Maltese Phrases for Travellers

Getting around Malta is fairly easy, but dropping in a few Maltese phrases while asking for help or ordering food can turn a regular moment into a memorable one.

Let’s start with the essentials. Need to ask for something politely? Use “Jekk jogħġbok” (yek yoh-jbok) for “please.” To show appreciation, go with “Grazzi” (grut-see), which comes from the Italian grazie. And when you’re navigating a busy market or squeezing past someone in a shop, a quick “Skużani” (skoo-za-nee) means both “sorry” and “excuse me.”

Not sure where you’re going? Say “Fejn hu…?” (Where is…?) or “X’nagħmel biex nasal sa…?” (How do I get to…?). These phrases are lifesavers when you’re trying to catch a bus or find your way to Mdina.

Other useful Maltese words include:

• “Kemm jiswa?” – How much does it cost?
• “Menu, jekk jogħġbok” – Menu, please
• “Kont, jekk jogħġbok” – Bill, please
• “Taf titkellem bl-Ingliż?” – Do you speak English?
• “L-ikla t-tajba!” – Bon appétit!

With these Maltese phrases for tourists, you’ll feel more confident exploring Malta like a local.

Essential Maltese Sayings and Idioms

Now for the fun part—Maltese sayings. These are the colourful expressions locals love to use, often with meanings that aren’t exactly what they seem at first glance.

Take “Taqtax qalbek”, which literally means “Don’t cut your heart.” In practice, it’s Malta’s way of saying “Don’t give up.” Then there’s “Għajni marret bija”, which sounds poetic but simply means “I fell asleep” (my eye went with me). Pretty vivid, right?

Looking for a funny Maltese idiom? Try “Xemx taqli l-ankri”, which translates to “sun frying the anchors”—their way of saying it’s scorchingly hot out. Or “Idur mal-lewża”, which means “go around the almond,” used when someone’s beating around the bush.

These Maltese sayings are more than just expressions. They’re a peek into the island’s personality—humourous, dramatic, and full of heart.

Maltese Phrases to Talk About Transportation and Directions

Getting around Malta is fairly straightforward, but asking for help in Maltese shows respect and interest in the local culture—and it might just get you better directions too. Whether you’re catching a bus to Mdina, hailing a taxi in St. Julian’s, or wandering the narrow streets of Valletta, these Maltese phrases for tourists will come in handy.

Start with “Fejn hu…?”, meaning “Where is…?” Just add the place you’re looking for. For example:

• “Fejn hu l-istazzjon tal-karozzi?” – Where is the bus station?

Need more detailed help? Use “X’nagħmel biex nasal sa…?”, which means “How do I get to…?” This is great when asking about more complicated routes or unfamiliar villages.

Worried about costs while traveling? Ask:

• “Kemm jiswa?” – How much does it cost?
  You’ll hear this a lot when dealing with taxi drivers or renting bikes and scooters.

Other helpful Maltese words related to transport:

• “Karozza” – car
• “Taxi” – taxi (yes, it’s the same!)
• “Triq” – street
• “Ħdejn” – near
• “Bogħod” – far

Locals are often happy to help, especially when you give their language a try. Even a basic effort to learn a few Maltese phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable—whether you’re hopping between towns or just trying not to get lost.

Maltese Phrases for Eating Out

Whether you’re enjoying fresh rabbit stew or a slice of kunserva-slathered bread, knowing a few Maltese words at a restaurant makes the whole experience feel more authentic—and appreciated by the staff.

Start with a polite “Menu, jekk jogħġbok” (Menu, please) when you’re seated. Ready to order? Say “Nixtieq…” (I would like…) followed by your dish. If you’re unsure what to try, ask:

• “X’nirrakkomanda?” – What do you recommend?

When you’re done eating and ready to pay, use “Kont, jekk jogħġbok” – Bill, please. Before you dig in, impress your tablemates with “L-ikla t-tajba!”, Malta’s version of Bon appétit.

Even if the menu’s in English, sprinkling in a few Maltese phrases adds flavour to your dining experience—and might even get you a bigger smile from your waiter.

Maltese Curse Words (Use with Caution!)

Every language has its darker, more expressive side—and Maltese is no exception. In fact, Maltese curse words are famously creative, often blending religious references with anatomical flair. While you might not want to use these yourself, recognising a few of them can help you understand the emotional temperature of a situation—or avoid saying something truly inappropriate by accident.

Maltese curse words typically mix profanity with religious imagery, such as:

• “F’għoxx ommok” – A brutal insult meaning “in your mother’s…”
• “Haqq Alla” – Meaning “God’s wrath” or “effing God,” often used in frustration, like when you stub your toe or break something.
• “Madonna!” – A blasphemous exclamation invoking the Virgin Mary, sometimes intensified as “F’għoxx il-Madonna.”

Other Maltese insults include:

• “Qahba” – Meaning prostitute or b**ch. Be careful—this is extremely offensive.
• “Idjota” – Idiot.
• “Kelba” – Literally “female dog,” used like “b**ch.”
• “Kollok ħara” – “You’re full of s**t.”

These expressions are colourful and widely understood across the island, but using them requires serious caution. Maltese people tend to use these words with close friends or in heated moments—throwing one out as a tourist might get you more than just a dirty look. Still, they offer insight into the bold, no-filter personality of the language.

Funny Maltese Phrases That Will Make You Smile

Maltese humour is direct, sometimes cheeky, and often packed into a single phrase that says more than a whole sentence.

Let’s start with “Xemx taqli l-ankri”, which literally means “the sun is frying the anchors.” It’s a hilarious way to say it’s unbearably hot—perfect for those sweaty July afternoons in Sliema.

Another gem is “Niġi, naqa’ u nqum” (I come, fall, and get up), which people use when they really couldn’t care less. It’s the verbal shrug of someone who’s been through too much to be bothered anymore.

“Idur mal-lewża”, or “go around the almond”, is a quirky way of accusing someone of beating around the bush or avoiding the point. Think of it as Malta’s version of calling someone out for dancing around an issue.

And of course, there’s the famously flexible “Mela”—not exactly funny on its own, but the way it’s used often is. Depending on tone, this little word can mean “so?”, “obviously,” “go on,” “no way,” or just fill a dramatic pause. Hearing a local drop a sarcastic “Mela…” in conversation is a cultural moment all on its own.

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These funny Maltese phrases might sound bizarre at first, but they reflect a lively, expressive culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Learn a few, and you might just get a laugh—or at least a knowing smile—from a local.

Ready to go beyond basic Maltese phrases? At Language Trainers, we connect you with native teachers for personalised one-to-one Maltese lessons in Sydney or wherever you are.. Whether you’re planning a trip or settling in Malta, our courses are designed around your goals and schedule. Contact Language Trainers today and make your next conversation in Maltese one to remember.