If you were to create a colour palette for Malta as a country, it would definitely include yellows, sandstone colours and of course, the bright blue that is associated with the sea which surrounds the island. As a semi-desert island situated at the centre of the Mediterranean, the colour blue is incredibly significant to Malta, especially due to its proximity to the sea as well as its association with local feasts.
For this reason, the prominence of the colour has been reflected in the Maltese language. Because of this, you will probably hear us throwing around the words “blu” (blue), “ikħal”(dark blue) and “ċelesti” (light blue) in conversation.
Here are a few phrases and sayings that include Malta’s beloved “blu” which you can use in order to spice up your conversation in Maltese.
“Daħka Ċelesta”
“Ċelest” or “Ċelesta” is one of the colour variants which Maltese inherited from Italian. When you say that someone as a “daħka ċelesta” or a “light blue laugh” you are essentially implying that someone has a rather particular laugh. So, if you have a friend whose laugh sounds somewhat particular you can definitely tell them “Kemm għandek daħka ċelesta!”
“Ikħal Nir”
“Ikħal” is a word which Maltese inħerited from the arabic and refers to a dark or navy blue. The expression “Ikħal Nir” is literally translated as “dark blue fire” and written in the “stat kostrutt”, a type of grammatical structure in Maltese which ascribes possession. When you state the expression “ikħal nir” you’re referring to something which is darker than dark blue or indigo.
Għajnejn Żoroq
“Żoroq” is another word which Maltese inherited from Arabic. The only difference between the blues we discussed and this one is that the word “żoroq” is an archaic or old work which is only used in the context where you say that someone has “għajnejn żoroq” or “very blue eyes.
If you’re in Malta or interested in the culture, these colour-associated idioms are a great way to express yourself creatively and engage with Maltese culture. If you’d like to practice your Maltese, make sure to sign up for a session with me, the Maltese OLS!
– Kris, OLS Community Manager