Phrases
Everyday Life
Useful sentences for your daily routines and interactions. Each card shows the Senegalese and Gambian dialects next to one another so you can switch depending on where you are traveling.
Senegal
Waaw.
Gambia
Waaw.
Senegal
Déedéet.
Gambia
Dedet.
Senegal
Baax na.
Gambia
Baakh na.
Literally "it is good". Often used like "okay / alright".
Senegal
Xanaa.
Gambia
Xanaa.
Often used to express uncertainty, especially at the start of a sentence.
Senegal
Dégg naa.
Gambia
Degg naa.
Senegal
Bu la neexee, waxaatal ko.
Gambia
Bu la neekhee, waxaatal ko.
Senegal
Waxal ndànk ndànk.
Gambia
Wakhal ndank ndank.
Senegal
Dama xiif.
Gambia
Dama khiif.
Literally "I have become hungry" or "I am in a state of hunger".
Senegal
Dama sonn.
Gambia
Dama sonn.
Senegal
Maa ngi dëkk ci ...
Gambia
Mangi dekk chi ...
Replace ellipsis with town or neighborhood. The Gambian spelling reflects a common simplification.
Senegal
Degguma.
Gambia
Deguma.
Uses the negative suffix -u-ma (understand-not-I).
Senegal
Degguma.
Gambia
Deguma.
Common contracted English phrasing for the same meaning as "I do not understand".
Senegal
Danga wax angale?
Gambia
Dang wakh angale?
Gambian speakers often shorten the prefix "Danga" to "Dang".
Senegal
Dama soxla ndimbal.
Gambia
Dama sohla ndimbal.
Soxla is the verb "to need". Ndmbal is the noun "help".
Senegal
Jàmm rekk
Gambia
Jam rekk
Very common reply to greetings such as “Nanga def?” or “Ana waa kër gi?”
Related Categories
Greetings
Start conversations the Wolof way with respectful greetings.
Polite Expressions
Say thank you, please, and excuse me the Wolof way.
Introductions
Introduce yourself, ask for names, and share where you are from.
Farewells
Wrap up conversations with respectful goodbyes and good nights.
Travel & Transport
Get around in Dakar, Thiès, Banjul or Serrekunda with confidence.
Market & Shopping
Negotiate prices and understand market slang.
Questions & Clarifications
Ask for directions, information, and help in Wolof.
Health & Emergency
Express how you feel and ask for medical help.
Dining & Eating
Order food, ask for water, and compliment the chef.
Family & Social
Talk about your family, friends, and relationships.
Romance & Relationships
Express love and affection in Wolof.