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.