Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “that” in Maltese. Whether you want to learn the formal or informal ways, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and information about regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “That”
In formal Maltese, there are various ways to express “that” depending on the context. Here are some commonly used options:
1. Dak
Example: Il-kitba dak hi tajba. (That writing is good.)
2. Dan(e)
Example: Il-kitba dan hija tajba. (This writing is good.)
Example: Ir-raġel dan hu tajjeb. (That man is good.)
3. Tieħu
Example: Bil-mediċina tieħu tinbena s-saħħa. (With that medicine, health is built.)
4. Dakien
Example: F’din il-kitba, il-filosofija dakien hi importanti. (In this writing, philosophy is that important.)
Informal Ways to Say “That”
The Maltese language is rich in informal expressions. Here are some casual alternatives you can use to say “that” in informal situations:
1. Dan
Example: L-għajnuna dan hawn sabiex tipparteċipa. (This help is here to participate.)
2. Ghad-dinja
Example: Il-festi f’Malta ghad-dinja huma spettakolari. (The festivals in Malta are that spectacular.)
3. Had-dinja
Example: Il-bejgħ tal-frott had-dinja huwa b’rata. (The fruit’s price is that expensive.)
Tips for Using “That” in Maltese
While learning how to say “that,” keep the following tips in mind:
1. Observe Word Gender
Maltese nouns have gender, so the word you use for “that” must agree. “Dak” is masculine, while “dan” is of masculine or feminine gender based on context.
2. Pay Attention to Plurals
When referring to plural objects, use “dawk” for masculine and “dawn” for both masculine and feminine. For example, “Dawk il-kitbiet huma kxifa” (Those writings are bad).
3. Connect Nouns with “Tieħu”
“Tieħu” is commonly used to connect nouns, similar to “that of” in English. For instance, “Ir-raġel tieħu hu tajjeb” (The man is that good).
Regional Variations
Malta is a small country, but regional variations in the Maltese language exist. However, these variations mainly affect pronunciation and vocabulary rather than how to say “that.” Therefore, the options shared above can be widely used across the islands.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “that” in Maltese. Remember to choose the appropriate word based on formality and gender. Use “dak” or “dan” for singular objects, “dawk” or “dawn” for plurals, and “tieħu” to connect nouns. Enjoy practicing your newfound knowledge in conversations with native Maltese speakers!
