Useful Phrases

1. Def naa app bii

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   "Def naa ..." = "I made / did ..." (verb + "naa", first person perfective). Note: "maa ngi" is the present presentative ("I am ...-ing"), not a past "I made"

2. App bii amul njëg

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Amul njëg" = "has no price" = free (same words as "Ndax amul njëg?" in the Question Words category). Note: the earlier "jëkkër" means "husband", not "free"

3. Soo bëggee, telecharger ak jëfandikool

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Telecharger" is borrowed from French meaning to download

4. Japponee laa

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   In Wolof, the predicate often precedes the subject

5. Turiste laa

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Turiste" is a French loan meaning "traveler / tourist" (same word as the Visa & Immigration category). Note: the earlier "yuuxookat" means "one who shouts", not "traveler"

6. Maa ngi dem ci sama bopp

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Bopp" is "head / self". "Sama bopp" = "myself", and "ci sama bopp" = "by myself / alone". Note: the earlier "boppam" is third person (his / her self), not "my"

7. Yoon wu njëkk la ma fi ñëw

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Njëkk" means first/initial in Wolof

8. Ndax mën naa jël foto?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Mën" means can/to be able to in Wolof

9. Nanu jël foto ak yow?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Ak" means with/together in Wolof

10. Jëfandikool scanner ci QR code bi

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Jëfandikool" means to use/utilize in Wolof

11. Bul ma nax

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used when being cheated or overcharged; a strong protest

    Grammar Note

    "Bul" is the Wolof prohibitive marker meaning "don't"

12. Bul ma xeex ci suuf

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone disrespects or underestimates you

    Grammar Note

    "Xeex ci suuf" means looking down; used to express contempt or disrespect

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