In this chapter, we'll learn a powerful Semitic feature of Maltese used to show possession or relationship. It's the structure used to say things like "the key **of the** car" or "the house **of** Pawlu".
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
The core of the construct state is the word `ta'` (of). It links two nouns together.
Noun 1 + ta' + Noun 2
This basic form is used when the second noun is a proper name or is indefinite (doesn't use "the").
This is the most common form you will see. When the second noun is definite (i.e., it means "the ..."), `ta'` merges with the article `il-` to become `tal-`.
Noun 1 + tal- + Noun 2
Remember the sun and moon letters from Chapter 3? They still apply here! The `l` in `tal-` will change based on the first letter of the second noun.
| English | Maltese Construction | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| The key of the car | iċ-ċavetta tal-karozza | (ich-cha-VET-ta tal-ka-ROTS-tsa) |
| The door of the house | il-bieb tad-dar | (il-BEEB tad-DAR) |
| The color of the sun | il-kulur tax-xemx | (il-koo-LOOR tash-SHEMSH) |
| The owner of the shop | is-sid tal-ħanut | (is-SEED tal-ha-NOOT) |
Master the construct state.
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Choose the correct form to complete the phrase.
Translate the following English phrases into Maltese.
The construct state is everywhere in daily Maltese life, especially in the names of food and streets. Many traditional dishes are named this way: `Torta tal-Lampuki` (Pie of the Lampuki fish), `Soppa tal-Armla` (Soup of the Widow), or `Bragioli tal-laħam` (Rolls of meat).
You'll also see it constantly on street signs. Many streets are named after saints, churches, or historical events, for example: `Triq tal-Karmnu` (Street of Carmel), `Pjazza tal-Indipendenza` (Square of Independence), or `Misraħ il-Parroċċa` (Plaza of the Parish). Recognizing this pattern will help you navigate and understand the names you see all around you.
Marija is looking for her brother's key.
Marija: Pawlu, rajt iċ-ċavetta? (PAW-loo, right ich-cha-VET-ta?)
Pawlu: Liema ċavetta? Iċ-ċavetta tad-dar? (LEE-ma cha-VET-ta? ich-cha-VET-ta tad-DAR?)
Marija: Le, mhux iċ-ċavetta tad-dar. Qed infittex iċ-ċavetta tal-karozza ta' ħija. (Le, moosh ich-cha-VET-ta tad-DAR. 'ed in-FIT-tesh ich-cha-VET-ta tal-ka-ROTS-tsa ta' HEE-ya.)
Pawlu: Ah, dik! Naħseb li rajt fuq il-mejda tal-kċina. (Ah, deek! NAH-seb li right foo' il-MEY-da tal-kchee-NA.)
Marija: Tassew? Se mmur nara. Grazzi! (tass-SEW? Se mmoor NA-ra. GRAT-si!)
Pawlu: Kienet ħdejn il-ktieb tal-istorja. (KEE-net hdeyn il-KTEEB tal-is-TOR-ya.)
Marija: Pawlu, did you see the key?
Pawlu: Which key? The key of the house?
Marija: No, not the key of the house. I'm looking for the key of my brother's car.
Pawlu: Ah, that one! I think I saw it on the table of the kitchen.
Marija: Really? I will go and see. Thanks!
Pawlu: It was next to the history book.
The construct state shows possession. Use `ta'` for proper names and indefinite nouns. Use `tal-` (which changes for sun/moon letters) for definite nouns.
`ta'` (of), `tal-` (of the), `ċavetta tal-karozza` (key of the car), `bieb tad-dar` (door of the house), `tazza te` (cup of tea).
Prosit! You've learned another core piece of Maltese grammar. In the next chapter, we will learn about `Pronom Mehmuż` (Attached Object Pronouns), which will allow you to say things like "he saw **me**" or "she gave **it** to him" by attaching pronouns directly to verbs.