ENTRÉE
Entrance
Usage
Posted at the entrance of buildings, stations, and facilities
Grammar Note
Wolof for "to enter" is "dugg", but the sign itself is French
SORTIE
Exit
Usage
Posted at the exit of buildings, stations, and facilities
Grammar Note
Wolof for "to go out" is "génn", but the sign itself is French
SORTIE DE SECOURS
Emergency Exit
Usage
Emergency exit sign, shown with the green running-figure pictogram
OUVERT
Open (door sign)
Usage
The flip sign on a shop door; in speech Wolof says "ubbi na" (it is open)
FERMÉ
Closed (door sign)
Usage
The "closed" side of a shop door sign; in speech Wolof says "tëj na"
OUVERT AU PUBLIC
Open for Business
Usage
Signage on banks, exchange desks, and offices stating they are currently open — more formal than the door's OUVERT flip sign
FERMÉ TEMPORAIREMENT
Temporarily Closed
Usage
There is no exact fixed equivalent of Japanese "junbichuu"; this is the closest
HOMMES
Men
Usage
Marks the men's restroom; some signs read "MESSIEURS"
Grammar Note
Wolof for "man" is "góor", but the sign itself is French
DAMES
Women
Usage
Marks the women's restroom; some signs read "FEMMES"
Grammar Note
Wolof for "woman" is "jigéen", but the sign itself is French
DÉFENSE D'ENTRER
No Entry
Usage
Posted on restricted doors and areas; "ACCÈS INTERDIT" means the same
Grammar Note
Any sign carrying "DÉFENSE DE" or "INTERDIT" is a prohibition
DÉFENSE DE FUMER
No Smoking
Usage
Posted indoors, in eateries, and on public transport; "INTERDIT DE FUMER" is the same
ESPACE FUMEURS
Smoking Area
Usage
Marks a designated smoking area, typically an outdoor zone at the airport
ESCALIER
Stairs
Usage
Directional sign pointing to the stairs
POUSSEZ
Push
Usage
Sign on a door telling you to push
TIREZ
Pull
Usage
Sign on a door telling you to pull
TRAVAUX
Roadworks / Under Construction
Usage
Posted at works sites and closed passages; also written "TRAVAUX EN COURS"
EN PANNE
Out of Order
Usage
Taped to broken lifts, ATMs, and restroom stalls
More Wolof phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences