Wolof is the main language of Senegal, spoken by about 90% of the population, and widely understood in Gambia and Mauritania. The land of teranga (hospitality), Dakar and Saint-Louis welcome you with a few simple words that open every door.
Wolof is the lingua franca of Senegal, spoken fluently by nearly 90% of Senegalese, whether as a first or second language. It is also used in Gambia, southern Mauritania and across the West African diaspora. Even though French remains the official language, it is in Wolof that markets, kitchens and conversations between friends actually happen.
Linguistically, Wolof belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo family. It uses a simplified noun-class system and a standardized Latin alphabet (officialized in 1971), enriched with specific characters such as the letter "ñ" and an apostrophe for long vowels. Its grammar is more accessible than expected for a French or English speaker: no gender, no heavy verbal conjugation, but a pronoun system that marks aspect (completed, ongoing, future action) more than tense. Pronunciation-wise, long vowels (ker, geej) and geminated consonants take some getting used to but nothing insurmountable.
Traveling to Senegal without a few words of Wolof means missing teranga. This legendary hospitality is everywhere: in the long obligatory greetings, in sharing ceebu jen around a communal dish, in the ritual of ataya served in three rounds. Saying "Salaamaalekum" when entering a place, replying "Jerejef" to thank someone, knowing how to answer "Maa ngi fi rekk" when asked how you are: these simple gestures immediately move you from the category of anonymous tourists to that of respected guests. This kit brings together the bare essentials for your first days in Dakar, Saly or Saint-Louis.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Blaise Diagne airport in Dakar in late afternoon. An agent greets you in Wolof. You return the greeting and ask where to pick up your luggage.
You leave the airport in a yellow-and-black taxi. The driver asks where you are going. You give your accommodation address and want to negotiate the price before setting off.
You sit down at a neighbourhood dibiterie to try ceebu jen. The waiter comes to take your order. You ask for water, browse the daily specials and pay the bill.
You feel unwell after a meal and need help. You point to the parts of your body that hurt to the pharmacist and ask where the nearest clinic is.
On the morning of departure, you warmly thank your Senegalese host. You take time for final Wolof greetings, say goodbye and head to the airport.
What you need to know before travelling to a wolof-speaking country.
Teranga (hospitality) is a pillar of Senegalese society. A host will almost always offer you something to drink or eat. Refusing outright can hurt feelings. Accept at least symbolically, even a sip of tea.
Greetings are long and essential. People ask about family, work, and health before getting to the point. Cutting them short feels rude.
Ceebu jen (rice with fish), the national dish, is often shared from one large communal platter. People eat with the right hand and take pieces from the section in front of them.
Senegal is majority Muslim and very attached to Sufi brotherhoods (Mourides, Tijanes). During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public during the day.
Ataya, mint tea poured in three rounds (bitter, sweet, sugary), is a social ritual. Taking time to share the three glasses is a sign of respect and friendship.
Saying "Alxamdulilaay" (thank God) in response to a question about your health or day is appreciated even by non-Muslims. It is fully integrated into everyday Wolof.
Bargaining is expected at Sandaga or HLM markets. Stay smiling, offer half the initial price and find common ground. Do not bargain in formal shops.
Hand over and receive objects, money or food with the right hand. The left hand is associated with personal hygiene and its social use can be perceived negatively.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Baal ma
excuse me / sorry
Ba suba
see you tomorrow
Yónu jamm
safe travels
Jamm rekk
peace only / I'm fine
Alxamdulilaay
thank God / praise be to God
Léegi léegi
very soon
man
I / me
yow
you (sg)
lekk
to eat
naan
to drink
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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