Language/Wolof/Vocabulary/Relationship-Terms
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Wolof is a Niger-Congo language spoken in West Africa, mainly in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania. In this lesson, you will learn the basic vocabulary for various relationship terms in Wolof, such as friend, neighbor, and coworker.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: City & Colors.
Family Relationships
In Wolof culture, family relationships are very important. Here are some commonly used terms to describe close family members:
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Ndem | N-dem | Mother |
Bët | Bate | Father |
Tëër | Teer | Elder Sister |
Sañse | Sanse | Elder Brother |
Gàmmu | Gam-mu | Younger Sister |
Lax | Lakh | Younger Brother |
Daay | Da-y | Grandparent |
Mbëgg | M-beg | Aunt |
Diganté | Dee-gan-te | Uncle |
- Ndem and Bët are often used instead of "mother" and "father" as a sign of respect.
- Tëër and Sañse are used to denote elder siblings, while Gàmmu and Lax denote younger siblings.
- Daay is a general term used for grandparent, and can apply to either grandmothers or grandfathers.
- Mbëgg is the term for maternal aunt, while Diganté is used for paternal uncle.
Other Relationships
In addition to family relationships, here are some commonly used terms to describe other relationships:
Wolof | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Jame | Ja-me | Friend |
Jukki | Jook-ki | Neighbor |
Juukatu | Joo-ka-tu | Coworker |
Tigganté | Tig-gan-te | Teacher |
Dama yaram | Da-ma ya-ram | Boyfriend/Girlfriend |
Tudd | Tudd | Fiancé/Fiancée |
Njaboot | Njab-oot | Husband |
Yaram | Ya-ram | Wife |
- Jame is a general term for friend, while Jukki is used for neighbors.
- Juukatu is the term for coworkers, while Tigganté is used for teachers.
- Dama yaram is a term used to describe someone's romantic partner before marriage, while Tudd is used for someone who is engaged.
- Njaboot is used for husbands, while Yaram is used for wives.
- Example phrases:
- Jame buur - My friend
- Jame nga wo - You are my friend
- Jukki nyaar - My neighbor
- Juukatu mak la - Our coworker
- Tigganté bi nga beug - I understand the teacher
- Dama yaram-bi - My boyfriend/girlfriend
- Njaboot bi - My husband
- Yaram bi - My wife
- Conclusion
In this lesson, you have learned the basic vocabulary for various relationship terms in Wolof. By understanding these words, you can better communicate and connect with Wolof-speaking individuals.
Other Lessons
- Health
- Count to 10
- Job Search
- Clothes
- Occupations
- Useful Interjections
- Common Greetings
- Useful words
- Common Foods
- Colors
Sources
◀️ Family Members — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Family Roles ▶️ |