Vocabulary
Food & Drink
Essential food vocabulary for Senegalese and Gambian meals. Compare how Wolof is written in Dakar versus Banjul, then use the search bar to find the words you need right away.
Senegal
ceeb
Gambia
cheb
I like rice.
Bëgg naa ceeb.
Bëgg naa cheb.
Senegal
jën
Gambia
jen
The fish is fresh.
Jën wi dafa bees.
Jen wi dafa bees.
Senegal
ceeb u jën
Gambia
ceebu jen
Rice and fish is the national dish.
Ceeb u jën mooy lekku réew mi.
Ceebu jen moy lekku reew mi.
Senegal
ndox
Gambia
ndokh
Please give me water.
Bu la neexee, jox ma ndox.
Bu la neexee, jox ma ndokh.
Senegal
mburu
Gambia
mburu
Buy some bread.
Jëndal mburu.
Jëndal mburu.
Senegal
ataaya
Gambia
ataya
Let's drink tea.
Na nu naan ataaya.
Na ñu naan ataya.
Senegal
kani
Gambia
kani
The pepper is hot.
Kani gi dafa saf.
Kani gi dafa saf.
Senegal
sawara
Gambia
sawara
Put oil in the pot.
Defal sawara ci cin li.
Defal sawara chi cin li.
Senegal
legum
Gambia
legum
Eat your vegetables.
Lekkal say legum.
Lekkal say legum.
Senegal
frugi
Gambia
frugi
The fruit is sweet.
Frugi bi dafa neex.
Frugi bi dafa neex.
Senegal
suukar
Gambia
sukar
Too much sugar is bad.
Suukar bu bare baaxul.
Sukar bu bare baakhul.
Related Categories
Core Words
Pronouns plus everyday basics like yes, no, please, and thank you.
Actions (Verbs)
Essential verbs for building useful phrases.
Descriptors (Adjectives)
Common adjectives for describing people, places, and things.
Numbers
Learn Wolof numbers for counting money, time, and everyday items.
Family & People
Talk about your relatives, friends, and the people in your household.
Time & Schedule
Words for days, hours, and talking about the moment.
Animals & Nature
Common animals you might see in Senegal and The Gambia.
Colors
Describe the world around you with basic color vocabulary.
Places & Directions
Important locations plus direction words for getting around.
Body Parts
Common body parts and anatomy.
People
Talk about people, friends, and roles in the community.