Proverbs (`qwiel`) are short, traditional sayings that express a perceived truth or piece of advice. They are a window into a culture's collective wisdom. This chapter will introduce you to some classic Maltese proverbs.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Unlike idioms, proverbs are complete sentences that offer advice or observations about life.
| Maltese Proverb | English Meaning / Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Bla flus la tgħannaq u lanqas tbus. Lit: Without money, you neither hug nor kiss. |
Money makes the world go round. |
| Min ma jħabbatx, ma jidħolx. Lit: He who doesn't knock, doesn't enter. |
You have to ask for what you want; closed mouths don't get fed. |
| Aħjar għasfur f'idejk milli mija fl-ajru. Lit: Better a bird in your hand than a hundred in the air. |
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. |
| Il-kelma t-tajba, għasel tal-qalb. Lit: The good word is honey of the heart. |
A kind word goes a long way. |
| Alla jagħlaq bieb u jiftaħ mija. Lit: God closes one door and opens a hundred. |
When one door closes, another one opens. |
| Il-borma t-tajba, f'darha ssibha. Lit: The good pot, you find it in its own home. |
Good/respectable people stay at home; there's no place like home. |
Master these Maltese proverbs.
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Which proverb best fits each situation?
Proverbs:
A) Bla flus la tgħannaq u lanqas tbus.
B) Min ma jħabbatx, ma jidħolx.
C) Alla jagħlaq bieb u jiftaħ mija.
1 -> C, 2 -> B, 3 -> A
Maltese proverbs, or `qwiel`, are often seen as the wisdom passed down from the `nanniet` (grandparents). They reflect the traditional values of a society that was, for a long time, based on agriculture, fishing, and strong Catholic faith. They often emphasize practicality (`Aħjar għasfur f'idejk...`), the importance of community and kindness (`Il-kelma t-tajba...`), and a resilient faith in the face of hardship (`Alla jagħlaq bieb...`).
While some proverbs may seem old-fashioned, they are still very much a part of the linguistic fabric. Quoting a `qawl` in conversation can show a deep understanding and respect for Maltese culture.
A grandson is feeling discouraged, and his grandmother offers some advice.
David: Nanna, inħossni skoraġġut. Applikajt għal dak ix-xogħol imma ma ħadunix. (NAN-na, in-HOSS-ni sko-raj-JUT. ap-pli-KITE aal dak ish-SHOAL IM-ma ma ha-DOO-nish.)
Nanna: Tinkwetax, David. Tinsiex, Alla jagħlaq bieb u jiftaħ mija. Forsi kien hemm xi ħaġa aħjar għalik. (tin-kwe-TASH, DA-vid. tin-SYESH, AL-la yaa-LA' bieb oo YIF-tah MEE-ya. FOR-si keen emm shi HA-ja ah-YAR aa-LEEK.)
David: Forsi, imma ma nafx x'se nagħmel issa. (FOR-si, im-ma ma nafsh sh'se naa-MEL IS-sa.)
Nanna: Smajt b'dik il-kumpanija l-ġdida? Għandek iċċempel u tistaqsi. Ftakar, min ma jħabbatx, ma jidħolx. (Smight b'deek il-kum-pa-NEE-ya l-JDEE-da? AN-dek ich-CHEM-pel oo tis-TA'-si. FTA-kar, min ma yhob-BOTSH, ma yid-HOLSH.)
David: Għandek raġun, Nanna. Il-kliem tiegħek dejjem jgħinni. (AN-dek ra-JOON, NAN-na. il-klyem TEE-ek DEY-yem yighn-NI.)
Nanna: Mela! Kif jgħidu, il-kelma t-tajba, għasel tal-qalb. (ME-la! Kif yigh-DOO, il-KEL-ma t-TAI-ba, AA-sel tal-'alp.)
David: Grandma, I feel discouraged. I applied for that job but they didn't take me.
Nanna: Don't worry, David. Don't forget, God closes one door and opens a hundred. Maybe there was something better for you.
David: Maybe, but I don't know what I'll do now.
Nanna: Did you hear about that new company? You should call and ask. Remember, he who doesn't knock, doesn't enter.
David: You're right, Grandma. Your words always help me.
Nanna: Of course! As they say, a kind word is honey of the heart.
Prosit! You have now explored some of the deepest wisdom of the Maltese language. In the next chapter, `Nifhmu l-Midja Maltija` (Understanding Maltese Media), we will look at how to approach authentic materials like websites and video clips to put all your advanced skills to the test.