Language/Wolof/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Wolof Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Wolof learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing Wolof idiomatic expressions. These are phrases that are unique to Wolof and can't be translated directly into English. By learning these expressions, you will sound more natural when speaking Wolof, and it will help you understand the culture and way of life of the Wolof people.

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Feelings and Emotions & Shopping Vocabulary.

Basic idiomatic expressions

Let's start with some basic idiomatic expressions that you will hear frequently in Wolof conversations:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Ba beneen yoon.	[ba benɛn joŋ]	It's been a long time.
Jërëjëf.	[d͡ʒərɛd͡ʒɛf]	Thank you.
Jamm ak jamm.	[d͡ʒam ak d͡ʒam]	Peace and peace.
Naka la.	[na ka la]	I'm here.
Naka nga def?	[na ka ŋa dɛf]	How are you?
Def nga?	[dɛf ŋa]	I'm fine.
Yàlla naa yàlla.	[jalːa naː jalːa]	God is God.

Let's see these idiomatic expressions in context:

• Person 1: Ba beneen yoon. (It's been a long time.)
• Person 2: Naka la. (I'm here.)

• Person 1: Jamm ak jamm. (Peace and peace.)
• Person 2: Jërëjëf. (Thank you.)

• Person 1: Naka nga def? (How are you?)
• Person 2: Def nga? (I'm fine.)

• Person 1: Yàlla naa yàlla. (God is God.)
• Person 2: Jërëjëf. (Thank you.)

Expressions with food

Wolof people love their food and cooking, and as such, it's natural for Wolof idiomatic expressions to revolve around food. Here are some examples:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Mbëkk mi.	[mbɛk mi]	Eat my dinner. (i.e. I don't care what others say or do.)
Ñakk ci biir.	[ɲak ci bir]	To eat with beer. (i.e. to celebrate.)
Sax ci wacc.	[saχ ci wat͡ʃ]	To drink tea. (i.e. to gossip.)

Let's see these expressions in context:

• Person 1: Mbëkk mi. (Eat my dinner.)
• Person 2: I don't understand what you mean.

• Person 1: Ñakk ci biir. (To eat with beer.)
• Person 2: Let's go out and celebrate.

• Person 1: Sax ci wacc. (To drink tea.)
• Person 2: They are always gossiping about others.

Expressions related to weather and nature

Wolof people live in a country with a tropical climate and a rich and diverse nature. It's therefore not surprising that many Wolof idiomatic expressions are related to weather and nature. Here are some examples:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Bàyyi mari ci yaw.	[bajːi mari ci jaw]	To light a fire under the rain. (i.e. to do something impossible.)
Soxlaay màggi ci tur.	[soχlaj maɡi ci tur]	The rain grows corn. (i.e. good things come naturally with time.)
Tudd màggi ci saay.	[tutd maɡi ci saj]	The sun sets on seeds. (i.e. everything has an end.)

Let's see these expressions in context:

• Person 1: Bàyyi mari ci yaw. (To light a fire under the rain.)
• Person 2: That's impossible.

• Person 1: Soxlaay màggi ci tur. (The rain grows corn.)
• Person 2: We need to be patient.

• Person 1: Tudd màggi ci saay. (The sun sets on seeds.)
• Person 2: Nothing lasts forever.

Expressions related to greetings

Wolof people are known for being friendly and welcoming. Therefore, greeting is an essential aspect of the Wolof culture. Here are some expressions you can use:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
No nga def?	[noŋ ga dɛf]	How are you?
Gëstu?	[ɡɛstu]	What's up?
Ba beneen yoon?	[ba benɛn joŋ]	It's been a long time?
Naka ba beneen yoon.	[na ka ba benɛn joŋ]	Long time no see.

Let's see these expressions in context:

• Person 1: No nga def? (How are you?)
• Person 2: Def nga? (I'm fine.)

• Person 1: Gëstu? (What's up?)
• Person 2: Nothing much.

• Person 1: Ba beneen yoon? (It's been a long time?)
• Person 2: Yes, it has been.

• Person 1: Naka ba beneen yoon. (Long time no see.)
• Person 2: Yes, it's been a while.

To improve your Wolof Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Verbs
• Time
• Fruits
• Drinks
• Asking and saying the age
• Numbers
• Marital Status
• How to say Good Bye?
• Weather
• City

Sources

• Ay Baati Wolof
• Wolof Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions