Language/Wolof/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

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.

What is the verb "be" in Wolof?

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

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

To form the present tense of "be", we simply add the appropriate form of the pronoun before the verb "wax" or "fan".

Examples

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

To form the past tense of "be", we add "na" after the appropriate form of the pronoun, followed by "wax" or "fan".

Examples

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

To form the future tense, we use the auxiliary verb "waxoon" followed by the appropriate form of the pronoun, then "wax" or "fan".

Examples

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

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

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!

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➡ 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. 😎

Related Lessons

• 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

• Wolof language - Wikipedia
• Elementary Gambian Wolof Grammar
• Wolof Grammar Manual