iva
/ˈiː.va/
The Maltese word for 'yes' is iva.
The word iva is a particle used to indicate agreement or acceptance.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Which one should you use?
While iva is used for agreement, le is the standard word for 'no' in Maltese.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈiː.va/. The first of two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- Maltese is the only Semitic language that is an official language of the European Union, making iva the only Semitic word for 'yes' used in official EU proceedings.
- The word evolved from a functional phrase used for swearing 'by God' or 'by my Lord' into a simple particle of agreement.
- In many conversational contexts, Maltese speakers may not use iva at all, instead repeating the verb of the question to indicate agreement.
Examples in context
- Iva.Yes.This example shows the use of iva as a standalone response.Tatoeba #1388414 by enteka, translation #477086 by soweli_Elepanto
- Iva, grazzi ħafna.Yes, thank you very much.
Example conversation
Maria asks Paul if he wants some coffee.
- MariaTrid kafe, Paul?Do you want coffee, Paul?
- PaulIva, jekk rak tistgħa.Yes, if you can.
- MariaM'għandnish problema.I don't have a problem.
- PaulGrazzi ħafna, Maria.Thank you very much, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries iva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
