nirra

Maltese

Alternative forms

Etymology

According to Aquilina, it is a contraction of min +‎ ra, literally “someone sees” (nirrak < mirrak < min rak). Compare the common expression min rak mgħallaq (“May you be hanged”, literally “someone sees you hanged”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈnɪr.ra/

Interjection

nirra

  1. an interjection used for:
    1. ill-wishing [with attached object pronoun or noun ‘subject of wish’, along with imperfect clause]
      Nirrah jaqa’. ― May he fall.
    2. good wishes [with attached object pronoun or noun ‘subject of wish’, along with imperfect clause]
      Nirra Alla jsewwi. ― May God solve/mend it.
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