xita
/ˈʃɪ.ta/
The Maltese word for 'rain' is xita.
xita is a noun used to describe an instance of particles falling.
Meaning: an instance of particles falling (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈʃɪ.ta/.
Did you know?
- Because Malta is so arid, the arrival of xita is historically tied to the survival of traditional cisterns used to collect every drop of rooftop runoff.
- While xita refers to 'rain', the root word in Arabic actually refers to the entire 'winter' season.
- Maltese speakers may use xita metaphorically to describe a heavy flow of something other than water, such as a 'rain' of insults.
Examples in context
- Hu jħobb jaħdem fix-xita.He likes to work in the rain.This sentence shows how to use xita when talking about working during the rain.Tatoeba #11655440 by Amastan, translation #8512761 by Amastan
Example conversation
Andre and Elena are looking out the window.
- AndreAra, qed tibda tixraq ix-xita.Look, the rain is starting to fall.
- ElenaMela ma nimux barra issa.Then I won't go out now.
- AndreGħandek l-umbrella tiegħek?Do you have your umbrella?
- ElenaIva, qed nifittex għaliha.Yes, I am looking for it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry xita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries xita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
