tfajla

Maltese

Root
t-f-l
8 terms

Etymology

From Arabic طُفَيْلة (ṭufayla), diminutive of طِفْلة (ṭifla, “female child”), whence Maltese tifla. By surface analysis, tfajjel +‎ -a.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈtfaj.la/

Noun

tfajla f (plural tfajliet, masculine tfajjel)

  1. diminutive of tifla (“girl”)
  2. female adolescent or young woman; girl (in this sense)
    Synonym: xebba

Usage notes

  • The sense “adolescent, young adult” is specific to the feminine and does not exist in the masculine equivalent tfajjel. The word żagħżugħ is used instead.
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