ħanin

Maltese

Root
ħ-n-n
3 terms

Etymology

Apparently an alteration of Arabic حَنُون (ḥanūn) after the common adjective measure C-(a)-C-i-C. Compare Moroccan Arabic حنين (ḥnīn).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ħaˈniːn/

Adjective

ħanin (feminine singular ħanina, plural ħnien)

1. merciful

   Synonym: miżerikordjuż

2. (chiefly vocative) dear; darling
   • Traditional (lyrics and music), “Ja ħanina”, performed by Frans Baldacchino:

     Ħanina, kemm inti ħelwa, ħelwa daqs il-passolina.
     Daqskemm qalbi tħobb lil ġismi, daqshekk inħobbok, ħanina!

     Darling, how sweet you are, as sweet as raisins.
     As much as my heart loves my own body, that much I love you, my darling!