tajjeb
/ˈtaj.jɛp/
The Maltese word for good is tajjeb.
tajjeb is used to describe something that is pleasant or enjoyable. Beyond its use as an adjective, it is also used in common expressions to mean 'well' or 'fine' when responding to how one is.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While tajjeb is the standard adjective for good, you may encounter Sabiħ, which translates to beautiful or fine and can be used to mean good in a formal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
tajjeb is the masculine singular form of the adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈtaj.jɛp/.
Did you know?
- The word tajjeb shares a common ancestor with the Arabic word for 'fragrant' or 'sweet-smelling'.
- In Malta, tajjeb is often used as a conversational filler or a way to signal agreement, similar to how English speakers use 'right' or 'okay'.
- A Maltese person might say tajjeb with a specific rising intonation to turn the statement 'good' into a skeptical question.
Examples in context
- Ziri jrid ikel tajjeb.Ziri wants good food.This sentence shows how to use tajjeb to describe food.Tatoeba #11673016 by Amastan, translation #10223588 by Amastan
- Enrico sab impjieg tajjeb fl-Alġerija.Enrico found a good job in Algeria.This sentence shows how to use tajjeb to describe a job.Tatoeba #11695556 by Amastan, translation #11695555 by Amastan
- Il-Musulman it-tajjeb jipprova jogħġob lil Alla, mhux lin-nies.A good Muslim tries to please God, not people.This sentence shows how to use tajjeb when describing a person.Tatoeba #11655579 by Amastan, translation #11352420 by Amastan
- Grazzi, tajjeb!Thanks, good!
- Dik l-aħbar hija sabiħa sew!That news is really good!
- Tajjeb ħafna, grazzi!Very good, thanks!
- Tajjeb ħafna li rajtuk!It's very good to see you!
- Tajjeb, kollox tajjeb!Good, all good!
- Hekk inħossni! Tajjeb, kollox tajjeb.That makes me feel good! Good, all good.
- Miegħek inħossna tajbin!With you, we feel good!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jessica and Kurt are talking about a movie they just watched.
- JessicaKif għaraftu l-film?How did you find the movie?
- KurtKien film tajjeb ħafna.It was a very good movie.
- JessicaQ Atebtu l-aktar parti?Which part did you like most?
- KurtIl-final kien tajjeb u sorpriża.The ending was good and surprising.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tajjeb, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tajjeb, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
