Travelling to Malta? Learn bonġu (good morning), bonswa (good evening), grazzi (thank you), jekk jogħġbok (please), skużani (excuse me), fejn hu…? (where is…?) and kemm jiswa? (how much does it cost?). Maltese and English are both official languages, and English is widely used in visitor services, public signs and transport information.
Maltese is a Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, with letters and combinations such as għ, ħ, ż, ċ and ġ. It has strong historical links with Arabic and many layers of Italian, Sicilian and English influence. English is an easy language for many visitors to use, but learning a few Maltese expressions adds warmth to everyday exchanges in Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, Gozo and smaller villages.
Quick read: Start with bonġu, grazzi and jekk jogħġbok. Malta’s public transport relies heavily on buses; use the current journey planner and check ticket conditions. Cash single-journey tickets bought from the driver have a two-hour validity period including transfers, according to current government information, but fares and terms can change. Malta drives on the left.
20 useful Maltese travel phrases
| Maltese | Meaning | Travel use |
|---|---|---|
| Bonġu | Good morning | Greeting |
| Bonswa | Good evening | Greeting |
| Ċaw | Hi / bye | Informal greeting |
| Saħħa | Goodbye / be well | Farewell |
| Grazzi | Thank you | Thanks |
| Grazzi ħafna | Thank you very much | Emphatic thanks |
| Jekk jogħġbok | Please | Polite request |
| Skużani | Excuse me / sorry | Approach politely |
| Iva / Le | Yes / no | Confirm or decline |
| Titkellem bl-Ingliż? | Do you speak English? | Ask politely |
| Ma nifhimx | I don’t understand | Clarify |
| Tista’ tirrepeti? | Can you repeat? | Ask again |
| Fejn hu…? | Where is…? | Ask for a place |
| Kemm jiswa? | How much does it cost? | Ask a price |
| Nixtieq… | I would like… | Make a request |
| Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok | The bill, please | Restaurant |
| Toilet / kamra tal-banju | Toilet / bathroom | Facilities |
| Daħla | Entrance | Read signs |
| Ħruġ | Exit | Read signs |
| Għajnuna! | Help! | Request assistance |
Maltese pronunciation and spelling
Maltese uses the Latin alphabet, but several letters are distinctive. Ħ represents a strong breathy h sound; ċ is like ‘ch’; ġ is usually like ‘j’ in ‘jam’; and ż is like ‘z’. The combination għ can affect the sound of nearby vowels and is not pronounced like an ordinary English ‘g’. Keep the Maltese spelling visible if you are asking for a place name.
Use bonġu for good morning, grazzi to thank someone and skużani before approaching a stranger. English is widely available, so there is no need to force a long Maltese sentence. A greeting plus a clear request and written address is often enough.
Buses, ferries and getting around
Malta’s public transport system uses buses as its main land-based public transport. The official government guidance recommends using the journey planner or Tallinja app for routes, stops and real-time bus information. Cash tickets can be bought from drivers; current government guidance says these single-journey tickets allow travel to any destination within two hours, including interchange. Always check current conditions, because special routes and ticket products may have different rules.
Useful Maltese words include xarabank (bus), waqfa (stop), biljett (ticket), vapur (ship or ferry) and port (port). For Gozo, confirm the ferry departure point, sailing and onward bus connection. During busy periods, allow extra time for queues and traffic.
- Check the current bus route and stop before leaving your accommodation.
- Confirm the ticket type, validity period and any transfer rules.
- Use the official journey planner or Tallinja app for live information.
- For Gozo, confirm ferry departure, return sailing and onward transport.
- Allow additional time for traffic, port queues and seasonal service changes.
Taxis and driving
Malta has official white taxis and app-based ride services. The Government of Malta advises settling the taxi rate before beginning a trip where relevant. Confirm the pickup location, destination and fare arrangement. Do not accept an unsolicited ride if you are unsure of the provider.
Malta drives on the left. Visitors hiring a car should check the licence, insurance, parking rules and local road signs before departure. Roads in historic towns can be narrow, and some streets are restricted or pedestrianised. Confirm the best drop-off point with your accommodation, especially in Valletta and Mdina.
Restaurants, prices and local food
Use kemm jiswa? to ask a price and il-kont, jekk jogħġbok to request the bill. Malta uses the euro. Confirm whether the price is per person, item or service. Maltese food may include pastizzi, ftira, rabbit dishes, seafood and seasonal specialities; ingredients and preparation vary.
For a food allergy, prepare a clear statement in Maltese or English naming the exact ingredient and any cross-contact concern. Ask the restaurant to confirm with the kitchen. A short phrase such as ‘without dairy’ may not communicate all preparation risks.
A five-day Maltese phrase routine
- Day 1: practise bonġu, grazzi, jekk jogħġbok and skużani.
- Day 2: save your hotel address and practise fejn hu…?
- Day 3: plan a bus journey using the current Tallinja route information.
- Day 4: practise kemm jiswa? and requesting il-kont.
- Day 5: check the Gozo ferry return sailing or the driving and parking rules for the historic town you plan to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do people in Malta speak English?
Yes. English and Maltese are both official languages, and English is widely used in visitor services.
What does grazzi mean?
It means thank you. Grazzi ħafna means thank you very much.
Can I buy a bus ticket from the driver?
Yes. Government guidance says drivers sell cash single-journey tickets. Check current fares and ticket terms before boarding.
Which side of the road does Malta drive on?
Malta drives on the left.
Continue exploring Malta
Read How Malta Works, things to do when visiting Malta and the world travel vocabulary city directory.
Official references
- Government of Malta: the Maltese Islands — official languages, currency and country facts.
- Government of Malta: public transport — route planning and bus ticket information.
- Government of Malta: transport — taxis, buses and left-side driving.
- Singapore MFA travel guidance — traveller preparation.
Language note: Maltese spelling and pronunciation are distinctive, and the phrase readings are approximate. Bus fares, ticket terms and ferry timetables can change; check current operator information before travel. Editorial review: 4 November 2026.