fenek
/ˈfɛ.nɛk/masculine
The Maltese word for rabbit is fenek.
fenek refers to the mammal known as a rabbit.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
fenek is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈfɛ.nɛk/.
Did you know?
- While the European rabbit is common in Malta, the word fenek specifically mirrors the name of the fennec fox, a creature not found in the wild on the islands.
- In Malta, rabbit is so culturally significant that the phrase feneκ is often used as a shorthand for the entire traditional experience of a family Sunday lunch.
- Even though Malta is a European Union member, the use of fenek serves as a linguistic reminder of the islands' deep Arabic roots.
Examples in context
- laħam tal-fenekRabbit meatThis sentence demonstrates how to refer to rabbit meat using fenek.
- Għandi fenek żgħir li jilgħab.I have a small rabbit that plays.
Example conversation
Jessica and Kurt are looking at a pet store window.
- JessicaKurt, ara dak il-fenek!Kurt, look at that rabbit!
- KurtHuwa sabiħ ħafna, Jessica.It is very beautiful, Jessica.
- JessicaTħobb il-fenek bħala pet?Do you like the rabbit as a pet?
- KurtIyeh, iħabb il-karrotta.Yes, it loves carrots.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rabbit” translations and entries fenek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fenek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
