Kif inti?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Maltese as Kif inti?
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
Kif means "how" and inti means "you" in the singular form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kif inti? is used when addressing one person informally. If you want to ask "how are you?" to a group of people, use Kif intom? instead of Kif inti?
When do people say it?
A common response to Kif inti? is tajjeb, which means "good" or "well" if the person responding is male.
Did you know?
- Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, which creates a visual contrast between its Arabic-based words like kif and its European appearance.
- Depending on the region, some speakers use Kif qed tmexxiha? which literally asks 'how are you walking it?' to mean 'how is it going?'
- When answering Kif inti?, a Maltese person might reply mela, which does not mean 'good' but acts as a conversational filler implying 'of course' or 'as you know'.
Examples in context
- Kif tinsab?How are you?
- Kif inti għaddej?How are you doing?
- Mela, kif inti?So, how are you?
Example conversation
Paul and Jessica meet at a cafe.
- PaulĦello Jessica, kif inti?Hello Jessica, how are you?
- JessicaJien tinsab tajjeb, grazzi.I am doing well, thanks.
- PaulDak huwa t-tajjeb.That is good.
- JessicaU inti?And you?
