Basic Verbs

18 phrases · Wolof with romanization, English and audio

  1. Dem

    To go

    Usage

    Put a destination next to it and the meaning gets across

  2. Ñëw

    To come

    Usage

    For asking someone to come to you, or checking an arrival

  3. Lekk

    To eat

    Usage

    For inviting someone to eat or asking whether something is edible

  4. Naan

    To drink

    Usage

    Also used to check whether water is safe to drink

  5. Jënd

    To buy

    Usage

    States your intent to buy; point at the item as you say it

  6. Gis

    To see

    Usage

    For asking to be shown something, and for sightseeing talk

  7. Xaar

    To wait

    Usage

    For arranging to meet, or explaining you are queuing

  8. Bëgg naa dem

    I want to go

    Usage

    The pattern for telling a taxi or a ticket clerk where you are going

  9. Bëgg naa lekk

    I want to eat

    Usage

    Combine it with the name of a dish

  10. Bëgg naa ko

    I want it

    Usage

    Point while you say it and the order is complete

  11. Soxlawuma ko

    I don’t need it

    Usage

    To refuse a bag, an add-on, or a persistent vendor

  12. Maa ngi ko wut

    I’m looking for it

    Usage

    When hunting for a place or an item; show a map or photo

  13. Am naa ko

    I have it

    Usage

    The answer when asked whether you have something

  14. Amuma ko

    I don’t have it

    Usage

    For saying you have no change or no document

  15. Bëgg naa génne xaalis

    I’ll withdraw money

    Usage

    States your business at an ATM or bank counter

  16. Bëgg naa ko reserwe

    I’ll make a reservation

    Usage

    For securing a room, a table, or a tour

  17. Wallu ma ci lii, su la neexee

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete help — carrying a bag, filling in a form

  18. Wax ma ko, su la neexee

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Opens a request for information: a route, a price, a time

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