Language/Wolof/Vocabulary/Animals

"Animals" Vocabulary in Wolof

🤗 Jama ngaam! (hello) Wolof learners,

Welcome to today's lesson where you will learn some essential vocabulary related to animals, birds, and fishes in Wolof. Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people and is predominantly spoken in Senegal, Mauritania, and the Gambia, which are all countries with rich and diverse wildlife. By expanding your Wolof vocabulary to include the names of these animals, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the language, culture, and natural beauty of this vibrant region. From the majestic elephants and lions of the savannahs to the elusive chimpanzees and forest antelopes, West Africa is home to a fascinating array of wild animals that are integral to the local ecosystems and cultures. So, let's get started and discover the fascinating world of animals, birds, and fishes in Wolof. Happy learning!

Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Occupations & Modes of Transportation.

Wild animals in West Africa

West Africa is home to a rich and diverse array of wild animals, ranging from the iconic savannah species to the lesser-known forest dwellers. Here are some examples of the fascinating wildlife you can find in West Africa:

• Elephants: West Africa is home to both forest and savannah elephants, which are the largest land animals on the planet. These majestic creatures are a symbol of strength and intelligence.
• Lions: The king of the savannah, lions are powerful predators that hunt in groups and are known for their distinctive manes. They are an important part of West African culture and folklore.
• Giraffes: These elegant animals are easily recognizable by their long necks and spotted coats. They are the tallest mammals on earth and are found in both savannah and forest habitats.
• Chimpanzees: West Africa is one of the few places in the world where you can find wild chimpanzees. These intelligent primates are our closest living relatives and are known for their tool-making abilities.
• Crocodiles: These prehistoric-looking reptiles can be found in rivers and lakes throughout West Africa. They are powerful predators and are considered sacred in some cultures.
• Hippos: These massive herbivores are found in rivers and lakes throughout West Africa. They are known for their aggressive behavior and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
• Antelopes: There are many species of antelopes found in West Africa, ranging from the tiny duikers to the large and graceful kudus. These animals are an important source of food and are also hunted for sport.
• Monkeys: West Africa is home to many species of monkeys, including baboons, colobus monkeys, and guenons. These intelligent animals are known for their social behavior and their ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.

These are just a few examples of the incredible wildlife that can be found in West Africa. From the savannahs to the forests, this region is home to a rich variety of animals that are integral to the local cultures and ecosystems.

Animals Vocabulary in Wolof

• Animal = mala mi

Wolof (Wolofal: ولوفل)	English
baaxoñ bi	raven
banjóóli bi, baa bi	ostrich
berkelle bi	mule
béy, bëy wi	goat
bukki bi	hyena
bukki bi	hyena
buuj bi	(sea)shell
cokkeer bi	partridge
coy mi, seku bi	parrot
cuuj bi	chick
dàngin	gorilla
dàngin	gorilla
fasu-àll wi	zebra
fasu-àll wi	zebra
fel wi	fleas
gaynde gi  , gar gi	lion
gaynde-gééj gi	shark
géléemu-maam-yàlla bi	praying mantis
giléem, géléem gi	camel
giléem, géléem gi	camel
golo gi, (ndinki)	monkey, ape
jaan ji	snake
jaar ji	striped ground squirrel
jasig ji	crocodile
jaxaay ji	eagle
junqóob bi, koti bi	crab
kanaara gi	drake
kéwél gi	gazelle
kooba gi	antelope
kooba gi	antelope
koppin bi	turkey
léebéer bi	hippopotamus
léebéer bi	hippopotamus
lëg bi	hare
lënd wi	spider web, cobweb
looy, xargeej	owl
maf mi	hawk, falcon
mbaam-àll mi	warthog
mbaam-sëf mi	donkey, (ass)
mbaam-xuux mi	pig
mbonnatu-ndox mi	sea turtle
mbonnatu-suuf mi	land turtle, tortoise
mbóot mi	cockroach
mbote mi, (mburtu)	lamb
mbott mi	frog, toad
mellentaan wi	little black ant
muus mi, wund wi, janaab ji	cat
naat bi	guineafowl
nag wi	cow
nagu-àll wi	buffalo
ñey wi	elephant
ngaaga li	whale
ngëj mi	marabou stork
ngëj mi	marabou stork
ngumbaan-tooye bi, (rebes)	snail
nguri li	wasp
njamala gi	giraffe
njéeréer bi	desert locust
njombor gi	rabbit
njugub bi	bat
pax mi	burrow
piipa bi	dolphin
saafaandu gi	African "wild dog"
segg mi	leopard,
séll wi	calf
séq gi	rooster, (cockerel)
sindax bi	lizard
sippax bi	shrimp, prawn
soccent bi	grasshopper
sugum si	beehive
suñel bi	hedgehog
tàgg bi	nest
tan mi	vulture
tééñ bi	lice
tene mi	cheetah
terëx bi	flamingo
till gi	jackal
wajan wi	mare
wànga-lànga wi	rhinoceros
waxandor wi	tuna
wel wi	fennec fox
weñ wi	fly
weteñ wi	tick
xàbban bi	ox
xaj bi	dog
xanqel bi	duck
xar mi	sheep
xar mu-jigéén	ewe
xojox gi	squirrel of Gambia
xund-xund bi	dragonfly
xuyéntaan bi	firefly
yamb wi	bee
yëkk wi	bull
yoo wi	mosquito
xaj bi	dog
kuti bi	puppy
muus mi, wund wi, janaab ji	cat
kaña gi	rat
jinax ji	mouse
mbaam-sëf mi cumbur mi	donkey, (ass)
berkelle bi	mule
fas wi	horse
wajan wi	mare
mool wi	foal
yëkk wi	bull
xàbban bi	ox
nag wi	cow
séll wi	calf
sàmm(kat) bi	sheepherder, shepherd
xar mi	sheep
xar mu-jigéén	ewe
mbote mi, (mburtu)	lamb
béy, bëy wi	goat
tef bi	kid
mbaam-xuux mi	pig
mbaam-àll mi	warthog
pax mi	burrow
njombor gi   lëg bi	rabbit hare
suñel bi	hedgehog
wel wi	fennec fox

picc mi - bird

Wolof (Wolofal: ولوفل)	English
tàgg bi	nest
jaxaay ji	eagle
maf mi	hawk, falcon
tan mi	vulture
looy, xargeej	owl
baaxoñ bi	raven
petax mi	pigeon
cokkeer bi	partridge
naat bi	guineafowl
koppin bi	turkey
séq gi	rooster, (cockerel)
ganaar gi	hen
cuuj bi	chick
kanaara gi xanqel bi	drake duck

jën wi - fish

Wolof (Wolofal: ولوفل)	English
waxandor wi	tuna
gaynde-gééj gi	shark
piipa bi	dolphin
ngaaga li	whale
junqóob bi, koti bi	crab
sippax bi	shrimp, prawn
mbonnatu-ndox mi mbonnatu-suuf mi	sea turtle land turtle, tortoise
buuj bi	(sea)shell
ngumbaan-tooye bi, (rebes)	snail
watar	leech
jaan ji	snake
kàkkatar bi	chameleon
unk bi	gecko
sindax bi	lizard
mbott mi	frog, toad

gunóór gi, (gasax, gesax) - insects

Wolof (Wolofal: ولوفل)	English
njéeréer bi	desert locust
soccent bi	grasshopper
mellentaan wi	little black ant
max mi	termites
weñ wi	fly
lëpp-lëpp bi	butterfly
xund-xund bi	dragonfly
xuyéntaan bi	firefly
sugum si	beehive
yamb wi	bee
nguri li	wasp
yoo wi	mosquito
tééñ bi	lice
fel wi	fleas
weteñ wi	tick
mbóot mi	cockroach
jargoñ gi lënd wi	spider spider web, cobweb
géléemu-maam-yàlla bi	praying mantis
jiit ji	scorpion

Other Lessons

• Useful phrases for beginners
• Marital Status
• Numbers
• Occupations
• Drinks
• Vegetables
• Verbs
• Weather
• Fruits
• Useful Interjections