Language/Wolof/Vocabulary/Money-and-Currency

Wolof → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Money and Currency

Welcome to this exciting lesson on Wolof Vocabulary focusing on Money and Currency! Understanding financial terms is essential for any traveler or anyone looking to engage with the vibrant culture of Wolof-speaking regions. Whether you're planning to shop at local markets, negotiate prices, or simply want to understand conversations around money, this lesson will equip you with the key vocabulary and phrases you need.

In this lesson, we’ll explore:

• Key Vocabulary: Terms related to money, currency, and transactions in Wolof.

• Asking for Prices: How to inquire about the cost of items in Wolof.

• Bargaining: Techniques and phrases for negotiating prices.

By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident navigating financial conversations in Wolof-speaking environments. Let's dive in!

Key Vocabulary

In this section, we will introduce important vocabulary related to money and currency in Wolof. Understanding these words will form the foundation for your ability to communicate effectively regarding financial matters. Below is a table of essential terms:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
xool !! /xool/	money
mbeng !! /mbeŋ/	coin
biir !! /biːr/	bill
seeni !! /seːni/	dollar
franc !! /frãk/	franc
ak !! /ak/	and
ñuy !! /ɲuj/	we (used in bargaining)
jàpp !! /dʒap/	to buy
jëfandikoo !! /dʒɛfãdiko/	to sell
jëfandik !! /dʒɛfãdɪk/	seller
jëfandikatu !! /dʒɛfãdɪkɑtu/	buyer
xam naa !! /xam naː/	I know
xam na !! /xam na/	you know
ndax !! /ndax/	is it?
wut !! /wut/	to pay
xel !! /xel/	to count
xarnu !! /xarnu/	price
sopp !! /sɔp/	cheap
bopp !! /bɔp/	expensive
jëfandikoo jëfandik !! /dʒɛfãdiko dʒɛfãdɪk/	to sell and to buy

Asking for Prices

Now that you have a good grasp of the vocabulary, it's time to learn how to ask about prices. Here are some key phrases you can use:

1. Naka lu mel ni? (How much does it cost?)

2. Naka xarnu bi? (What is the price of this?)

3. Naka loolu? (How much is that?)

Practicing these phrases will help you interact with vendors confidently. When asking about prices, it’s common to point to the item you’re inquiring about for clarity. Let’s look at a few examples in a conversational context:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Naka lu mel ni?	/naka lu mɛl ni/	How much does it cost?
Naka xarnu bi?	/naka xarnu bi/	What is the price of this?
Naka loolu?	/naka lɔlu/	How much is that?

Bargaining

Bargaining is an integral part of shopping in many Wolof-speaking countries. It’s not only a way to get a better deal but also a cultural practice that shows your engagement and respect for local customs. Here are some useful phrases for bargaining:

1. Nuy ak jàpp? (Can we negotiate?)

2. Koo xam naa! (I know you can lower the price!)

3. Sopp na? (Is it cheap?)

4. Bopp na? (Is it expensive?)

When bargaining, it’s all about the tone and body language. Smile, be polite, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price doesn't meet your expectations. Here are some example scenarios:

Wolof	Pronunciation	English
Nuy ak jàpp?	/nuj ak dʒap/	Can we negotiate?
Koo xam naa!	/ku xam naː/	I know you can lower the price!
Sopp na?	/sɔp na/	Is it cheap?
Bopp na?	/bɔp na/	Is it expensive?

Practice Exercises

Now that you've absorbed some vocabulary and phrases, it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises to help you practice what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Vocabulary Match

Match the Wolof terms to their English translations:

1. xool

2. biir

3. sopp

• a. coin

• b. bill

• c. money

Solution:

1 - c

2 - b

3 - a

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct Wolof term:

1. I want to buy a _______ (money).

2. How much is this _______? (price)

Solution:

1. xool

2. xarnu

Exercise 3: Forming Questions

Translate the following English questions into Wolof:

1. How much does it cost?

2. What is the price of this?

Solution:

1. Naka lu mel ni?

2. Naka xarnu bi?

Exercise 4: Bargaining Role Play

Create a mini-dialogue between a buyer and a seller where they negotiate the price of an item.

Solution: (Example Dialogue)

• Buyer: Naka lu mel ni?

• Seller: 5000 francs.

• Buyer: Bopp na?

• Seller: Nuy ak jàpp!

Exercise 5: Vocabulary Recall

Write down the Wolof terms for the following English words:

1. coin

2. expensive

Solution:

1. mbeng

2. bopp

Exercise 6: Price Inquiry

Imagine you are at a market. Write a dialogue asking about the price of a fruit (like mango) in Wolof.

Solution: (Example Dialogue)

• Buyer: Naka xarnu bi? (What is the price of this mango?)

• Seller: 2000 francs.

Exercise 7: Translate the Phrase

Translate the following phrase into Wolof: “Can we negotiate?”

Solution:

Nuy ak jàpp?

Exercise 8: True or False

Determine whether the following statements are true or false regarding Wolof vocabulary on money:

1. "xool" means "coin."

2. "bopp" means "expensive."

Solution:

1. False

2. True

Exercise 9: Create Your Own Sentences

Using the vocabulary learned, create three sentences about shopping in Wolof.

Solution: (Example Sentences)

1. Xool na ci jëfandikoo. (Money is with the seller.)

2. Naka lu mel ni? (How much does it cost?)

3. Jàpp naa biir. (I bought a bill.)

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

In pairs, discuss your favorite items to buy in Wolof-speaking regions and practice using at least three phrases from this lesson.

Solution: (Example Discussion Points)

• Discussing prices of clothes, food, or souvenirs, using phrases like “Naka loolu?” or “Nuy ak jàpp?”

With these exercises, you'll solidify your understanding of money and currency in Wolof. Practice makes perfect, so keep engaging with the language!

In this lesson, we've covered key vocabulary related to money and currency, learned how to ask for prices, and practiced essential bargaining phrases. Mastering these concepts will not only enhance your language skills but also enrich your interactions in Wolof-speaking environments. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be confidently navigating markets and financial conversations!

Table of Contents - Wolof Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Wolof

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Wolof Cultural Norms

• Politeness and Respect
• Greetings and Social Etiquette

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Terms

  ---

Family and Social Structure

• Family Roles
• Social Hierarchy

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Tenses

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Wolof Cuisine and Dining Etiquette

• Traditional Dishes
• Dining Etiquette

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People and Things
• Describing Actions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Vocabulary

  ---

Travel and Tourism in Wolof-Speaking Countries

• Popular Destinations
• Travel Tips

Sources

• Handy Phrase Guide: English to Wolof (Senegal) | African Language ...
• NEW WOLOF BOOK

Other Lessons

• Basic Greetings
• Animals
• Feelings and Emotions
• Transportation
• Means of Transportation
• Marital Status
• Clothes
• Colors
• House
• City