Now that you can make basic statements, it's time to learn how to ask for information. This chapter introduces the essential Maltese question words.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
These words are the building blocks for gathering information in any language.
| Maltese | Phonetic Guide | English | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiex? / X'? | (shee-esh / sh) | What? | `X'inhu dan?` (What is this?) |
| Min? | (min) | Who? | `Min hu dak ir-raġel?` (Who is that man?) |
| Fejn? | (feyn) | Where? | `Fejn hi l-karozza?` (Where is the car?) |
| Meta? | (ME-ta) | When? | `Meta hi l-festa?` (When is the party?) |
| Għaliex? | (aa-LEESH) | Why? | `Għaliex int għajjien?` (Why are you tired?) |
| Kif? | (kif) | How? | `Kif int?` (How are you?) |
| Kemm? | (kemm) | How much / How many? | `Kemm hu?` (How much is it?) |
Master the Maltese question words.
Import Chapter 7 Flashcards(Requires login to import/study)
Match the Maltese question word to the English translation.
Għaliex? ( ) Where?
Min? ( ) When?
Fejn? ( ) Who?
Meta? ( ) Why?
Xiex? ( ) What?Għaliex? → Why?
Min? → Who?
Fejn? → Where?
Meta? → When?
Xiex? → What?Fill in the blank with the correct Maltese question word.
In Malta, asking questions is a natural part of the friendly and communal culture. While the language can be direct, tone of voice is very important. A friendly `Kif int?` is a genuine inquiry into your well-being.
When approaching a stranger for help, for instance asking for directions, it's very polite to start with `Skużani` (skoo-ZAH-nee), which means "Excuse me." Following up with a question like `Fejn hi t-triq prinċipali?` (Where is the main street?) will almost always be met with a helpful response.
Don't be surprised if your questions are answered with more than just the information you asked for! Maltese people are often happy to chat, and a simple question can easily turn into a longer, pleasant conversation about your day or where you're from.
A tourist named Anna asks a local, Pawlu, for some information.
Anna: Skużani. Fejn hu l-mużew? (skoo-ZAH-nee. Feyn oo il-moo-ZEW?)
Pawlu: Il-mużew qiegħed f'din it-triq. (il-moo-ZEW 'EE-ed f'deen it-TREE'.)
Anna: Grazzi. U x'inhu dak il-bini kbir? (GRAT-si. Oo shin-OO dak il-BEE-nee kbeer?)
Pawlu: Dak huwa l-katidral. Huwa sabiħ ħafna. (Dak OO-wa l-ka-tid-RAL. OO-wa sa-BEEH HAF-na.)
Anna: Meta jiftaħ? (ME-ta YIF-tah?)
Pawlu: Jiftaħ fid-disgħa. (YIF-tah fid-DIS-a.)
Anna: Għaliex hemm ħafna nies hawn? (aa-LEESH emm HAF-na nees own?)
Pawlu: Għax illum hemm festa żgħira. (Ash il-LOOM emm FES-ta ZAI-ra.)
Anna: Min hu l-qaddis tal-festa? (Min oo il-'AD-dees tal-FES-ta?)
Pawlu: Huwa San Pawl. (OO-wa San Pawl.)
Anna: Excuse me. Where is the museum?
Pawlu: The museum is on this street.
Anna: Thanks. And what is that big building?
Pawlu: That is the cathedral. It is very beautiful.
Anna: When does it open?
Pawlu: It opens at nine.
Anna: Why are there many people here?
Pawlu: Because today there is a small feast/party.
Anna: Who is the saint of the feast?
Pawlu: It is Saint Paul.
Question Words: `Xiex?/X'`, `Min`, `Fejn`, `Meta`, `Għaliex`, `Kif`, `Kemm`.
New Words: `Skużani` (Excuse me), `mużew` (museum), `bini` (building), `katidral` (cathedral), `nies` (people), `festa` (feast/party), `qaddis` (saint).
Prosit! You can now ask all the basic questions to navigate situations and get information. In the next chapter, we'll learn the days of the week and months of the year, which will allow you to start making plans and talking about specific dates.