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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