Vocabulary

Core Words

Pronouns plus everyday basics like yes, no, please, and thank you. Compare how Wolof is written in Dakar versus Banjul, then use the search bar to find the words you need right away.

I
pronoun

Senegal

man

Gambia

man

I am learning Wolof.

Maa ngi jang Wolof.

Maa ngi jang Wolof.

you (singular)
pronoun

Senegal

yow

Gambia

yow

You are here.

Yow, nekk nga fii.

Yow, nekk nga fii.

you (plural)
pronoun

Senegal

yéen

Gambia

yeen

we
pronoun

Senegal

ñun

Gambia

ñun

We are going now.

Ñun, nu ngi dem léegi.

Ñun, ñu ngi dem léegi.

yes
polite

Senegal

waaw

Gambia

waaw

Yes, I understand.

Waaw, dégg naa.

Waaw, dégg naa.

no

Senegal

déedéet

Gambia

dedet

No, I don't want it.

Déedéet, bëgguma ko.

Dedet, bëgguma ko.

please

Senegal

bu la neexee

Gambia

bu la neekhee

Please wait for me.

Bu la neexee, xaar ma.

Bu la neekhee, haar ma.

thank you
polite

Senegal

jërëjëf

Gambia

jerrejef

Thank you very much.

Jërëjëf bu baax.

Jerrejef bu baakh.

sorry

Senegal

baal ma

Gambia

baal ma

Sorry, I am late.

Baal ma, dama yéex.

Baal ma, dama yéex.

hello
greeting

Senegal

salaam aleekum

Gambia

salaam aleekum

Hello, how are you?

Salaam aleekum, nanga def?

Salaam aleekum, nanga def?

goodbye

Senegal

ba beneen yoon

Gambia

ba beneen yoon

Goodbye, see you soon.

Ba beneen yoon, ci lu gàtt.

Ba beneen yoon, chi lu gatt.

welcome

Senegal

agsil

Gambia

agsil

Welcome to my house.

Agsil ci sama kër.

Agsil chi sama ker.

help

Senegal

ndimbal

Gambia

ndimbal

Help me!

Dimbali ma!

Dimbali ma!

hospitality

Senegal

teranga

Gambia

teranga

Senegal is the land of hospitality.

Senegal mooy réewum teranga.

Senegal mooy réewum teranga.

enough
expression

Senegal

jotna

Gambia

jotna

That is enough.

Lii jotna.

Lii jotna.

Related Categories