sliem
/slɪːm/
The Maltese word for peace is sliem.
sliem refers to the state of being free from war. It is also frequently used as a greeting, functioning similarly to the English phrase 'peace be with you'.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'the peace' using the definite article, you must add the prefix is- to the word, resulting in is-sliem. This specific prefix is used because the word starts with an 's' followed by a consonant.
How do you pronounce it?
/slɪːm/
When do people say it?
In Maltese culture, sliem is commonly used as a greeting, conveying a wish for peace to be with the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- The word sliem is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'Islam', as both share a common root meaning 'peace' or 'submission'.
- In Maltese, the word for peace is used in a specific religious context during the 'kiss of peace' in a church service, which is a ritualized gesture of reconciliation.
- The prefix is- added to sliem is a remnant of a complex grammar system called 'sun letters' inherited from its parent language.
Examples in context
- Għandna bżonn il-sliem fl-unjoni.We need peace in the union.
- Il-sliem huwa importanti ħafna.Peace is very important.
Example conversation
Elena and Justin are discussing world news.
- ElenaTaħseb li se jkun issliem?Do you think there will be peace?
- JustinSpero li is-sliem jiġi malajr.I hope that peace comes soon.
- ElenaGħandek raġuni, Justin.You are right, Justin.
- JustinHekk hu, Elena.That is how it is, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sliem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sliem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
