mħabba
/(ɪ)mˈħab.ba/feminine
The English word 'love' is translated into Maltese as mħabba.
The word mħabba refers to a feeling of strong affection. When you want to express the action of having a strong affection for someone, you can use the related verb ħabb.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mħabba is the standard noun, the form Imħabba is also used to translate 'love', particularly when referring to romantic love. Additionally, the form Ħobbi is used as a term of endearment meaning 'darling' or 'sweetheart'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun mħabba is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /(ɪ)mˈħab.ba/.
Did you know?
- The root of mħabba is shared with words relating to seeds in some Semitic languages, suggesting an ancient conceptual link between love and growth.
- In Maltese, expressing 'for the love of' can be condensed into a form that functions as 'due to', blending emotion with causality.
- In Maltese culture, Ħobbi is used as a versatile term of endearment for partners and close friends alike.
Examples in context
- Ħobbi, kemm inti sabiħDarling, how beautiful you are
- Il-mħabba dejjem hija importanti.Love is always important.
Example conversation
Jessica and Paul are talking about their grandparents.
- JessicaHuma għandhom mħabba sbieħa bejn tajn.They have a beautiful love between them.
- PaulIva, huma mżawżajn għal ħoxna.Yes, they have been married for ages.
- JessicaDin il-mħabba hija eżampju għalna.This love is an example for us.
- PaulKonna nistgħal nitgħallmu minnhom.We could learn from them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries mħabba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
