Language/Wolof/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be
Hi Wolof learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on the verb "be" in Wolof. We will learn how to use it in different tenses, as well as understand its nuances in cultural contexts.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Tenses & Future Tense.
What is the verb "be" in Wolof?[edit | edit source]
The verb "be" in Wolof is "wax" or "fan". It is a versatile verb that can be used as an auxiliary verb to create different tenses, or as the main verb in a sentence.
In Wolof, "fan" is used to indicate a permanent state of being while "wax" indicates a temporary state of being.
Examples[edit | edit source]
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "fan" and "wax":
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Fan naa la gees" | /fan na la gɛs/ | "I am American" (literally "I am from America" using "fan") |
| "Wax naa jang" | /wax na dʒaŋ/ | "I am eating" (temporary action using "wax") |
It's important to note that in many Wolof sentences, the verb "be" is often omitted if the subject and context can be inferred from the sentence.
To be in the Present Tense[edit | edit source]
To form the present tense of "be", we simply add the appropriate form of the pronoun before the verb "wax" or "fan".
Examples[edit | edit source]
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Ndax wax?" | /ndaɣ wax/ | "Are you happening?" (literally "You are happening?" using "wax") |
| "Mangi fan yii." | /maŋi fan ji/ | "I am busy." (literally "I exist busy" using "fan") |
To be in the Past Tense[edit | edit source]
To form the past tense of "be", we add "na" after the appropriate form of the pronoun, followed by "wax" or "fan".
Examples[edit | edit source]
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Mi na wax." | /mi na wax/ | "I was." (using "wax") |
| "Am na fan." | /am na fan/ | "He/she/it was." (using "fan") |
To be in the Future Tense[edit | edit source]
To form the future tense, we use the auxiliary verb "waxoon" followed by the appropriate form of the pronoun, then "wax" or "fan".
Examples[edit | edit source]
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| "Mi waxoon naa wax." | /mi waxoon na wax/ | "I will be." (using "wax") |
| "Am waxoon naa fan." | /am waxoon na fan/ | "He/she/it will be." (using "fan") |
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
To help us understand the verbs "wax" and "fan" in context, here's a dialogue:
- Person 1: "Ndax wax?" (/ndaɣ wax/) ("Are you happening?")
- Person 2: "Yaa, wax na jang" (/ja: wax na dʒaŋ/) ("Yes, I am eating.")
In this example, Person 1 is asking if Person 2 is okay or doing well, and Person 2 confirms that they are fine and currently eating.
Cultural Notes[edit | edit source]
In Wolof culture, the verb "be" is often used to show respect when addressing someone. For example, instead of saying "Ndëyssane" (meaning "You are coming"), one might say "Ndeyssan wax" (meaning "Are you coming?"). This use of the "be" verb is seen as more polite and respectful.
Another interesting aspect of the verb "be" in Wolof is the use of "fan" to express possession. For example, to say "I have a book", one might say "Mangi fan bu beneen" (literally "I am the possessor of a book" using "fan"). This highlights the importance of ownership and property in Wolof culture.
To improve your Wolof Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Give your Opinion
- Possessive pronouns
- Pronouns and How to ask questions
- Static verbs
- Intensifiers
- Negation
- Nouns
- Conditional Mood
- How to Use Have
- Am (to have) in the present tense
Sources[edit | edit source]