Language/Wolof/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be
Hi Wolof learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Wolof. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences. We will also look at some examples of sentences using the verb "be".
The verb "be" is used to describe a state or condition. In Wolof, the verb "be" is conjugated differently depending on the subject of the sentence. The verb "be" can be conjugated in the present, past, and future tenses.
In the present tense, the verb "be" is conjugated as follows:
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ndax | n-dah | I am |
| Ndaxul | n-dah-ool | You are (singular) |
| Ndaxu | n-dah-oo | He/She/It is |
| Ndaxuma | n-dah-oo-mah | We are |
| Ndaxunt | n-dah-oon-t | You are (plural) |
| Ndaxa | n-dah-ah | They are |
In the past tense, the verb "be" is conjugated as follows:
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ndaxaat | n-dah-ah-at | I was |
| Ndaxulaat | n-dah-oo-lah-at | You were (singular) |
| Ndaxuat | n-dah-oo-at | He/She/It was |
| Ndaxumaat | n-dah-oo-mah-at | We were |
| Ndaxuntaat | n-dah-oon-tah-at | You were (plural) |
| Ndaxaat | n-dah-ah-at | They were |
In the future tense, the verb "be" is conjugated as follows:
| Wolof | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ndaxaa | n-dah-ah-ah | I will be |
| Ndaxulaa | n-dah-oo-lah-ah | You will be (singular) |
| Ndaxua | n-dah-oo-ah | He/She/It will be |
| Ndaxumaa | n-dah-oo-mah-ah | We will be |
| Ndaxuntaa | n-dah-oon-tah-ah | You will be (plural) |
| Ndaxaa | n-dah-ah-ah | They will be |
Now let's look at some examples of sentences using the verb "be":
- Person 1: Ndaxul? (What are you?)
- Person 2: Ndaxu mbokk. (I'm fine.)
- Person 1: Ndaxuma? (Who are we?)
- Person 2: Ndaxuma jigéen. (We are friends.)
- Person 1: Ndaxaat? (Where were you?)
- Person 2: Ndaxaat ci biir. (I was at the store.)
- Person 1: Ndaxuntaa? (What will you be?)
- Person 2: Ndaxuntaa xam-xam. (We will be happy.)
To improve your Wolof Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
That's it for this lesson on how to use the verb "be" in Wolof. Now you know how to conjugate the verb "be" in the present, past, and future tenses. You also know how to use the verb "be" in sentences.
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