Basic Words

1. Waaw

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Déedéet

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Su la neexee

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   "Su la neexee" means "if it pleases you" and is tacked onto the end of a request.

4. Jërëjëf

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Baal ma

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Baal ma" means "forgive me" and covers both squeezing past and getting attention.

6. Baal ma bu baax

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Dara amul

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Dégguma

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Dégg naa

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Pare naa

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Xaaral, su la neexee

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Xaaral tuuti

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Benn nit ku mag

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Amuma reserwaasyoŋ

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Reserwaasyoŋ" is the Wolof spelling of French "réservation." French loans are fully naturalised in Senegalese Wolof.

15. Am naa reserwaasyoŋ

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Wallu ma, su la neexee

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Waxaatal ko, su la neexee

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Waxal ndànk, su la neexee

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Dama koy wax tuuti

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Ndax dégg nga angale?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Lii

    This (near me)

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand; the workhorse word at a market

    Grammar Note

    Wolof demonstratives vary by distance: lii (near), loolu (further), lale (far off)

22. Loolu

    That (near you)

    Usage

    For something near the person you are talking to

23. Lale

    That over there

    Usage

    For something away from both of you

24. Fii

    Here

    Usage

    For where you want to be dropped off or to meet

25. Foofu

    There (near you)

    Usage

    For a spot near the person you are talking to

26. Fale

    Over there

    Usage

    For a distant spot; you will hear it in replies to directions too

27. Man

    I / me

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at yourself, including for headcounts and turns

28. Yow

    You

    Usage

    For pointing at the other person; with elders the plural "yéen" is more respectful

29. Ànd

    Together / With

    Usage

    For saying you want to sit or pay together; "ànd ak" means "along with"

30. Benn nit

    One person

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

31. Ñaari nit

    Two people

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

    Grammar Note

    Numerals take an "-i" linker before a noun (ñaar becomes ñaari); the initial letter is ñ

32. Ñetti nit

    Three people

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

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