Wolof is the local language spoken in much of Senegal, and particularly in Dakar. I remember before I came to Dakar, I spent some time trying to learn Wolof from YouTube videos. This didn't really work out as planned, but I have learned some great phrases since being here that have helped a lot! I've found that learning a few phrases in Wolof really opens up your world in Senegal. People appreciate your taking the time to learn their language, and it's a great conversation starter!
Something important to keep in mind is that exchanging greetings is very important in Senegalese culture. Greetings in Senegal go beyond the Western "Hi, How are you?" Many people will greet each other with several follow up questions, asking about your health, family, wellbeing and state of peace. Saying hello to your neighbors, security guards, and even strangers you pass is the norm and you can expect to make some friends by surprising Senegalese with your Wolof !
Note: The spelling is not correct on this list. This is a list I have put together to help myself, mostly on my iPhone Notes App, so I've recorded what I hear phonetically. Also, many phrases in Wolof do not translate directly to what you might expect their meaning to be. For example, the common answer to "How are you" is "Mangi Fi" which directly translates to "I am here" even though it's used to mean "I am well." In these examples, I've written their implied meaning as I understood it.
Greetings
Asalaam aleykum: Hello
W alaykum asalam: Hello (in response)
Nanga def: How are you?
Mangi fi: I am fine
Yangi nos: are you good?
Mangi nos: I am good
Naka mooh: what's up
Naka suba si: how is the morning
Suba sangi ni rek: the morning is good
Naka ngorn si: how is the evening
Naka journee bi: how is the day
Naka wa keur gi: how is the home
Nanga yendou: how is the day
Naka tangay bi: how is the heat
Naka liggey bi: how is work
No to do: whats your name
Nicole la tod: Nicole is my name
Basic Conversation
Inshallah: hopefully
Al hamdullilah: Thank god
Fo juggey: where are you from
Etas uni la juggey: I’m from the US
Damay diangue wolof: I am learning wolof
Degeu na wolof: I speak wolof
Touti rek: a little bit
Tutti tutti: a little, or slowly
Kai ani: come eat lunch
Kai rare: come eat dinner
Sama kharit: you are my friend
Foy dem: where are you going
Mangi Dem : I'm going
Mangi Dem lek: I'm going to eat
Mangi Dem ani: I'm going to eat lunch
Mangi Dem ged: I'm going to the beach
Mangi Dem Dowi: I'm going running
Mangi Dem nyibbi: I'm going home
Mangi Dem li gay: I'm going to work
Man American la: I am American
Fan ga dekk: Where do you live
Almadies laa dekk: I live in Almadies
Etas uni la juggey: I come from the US
Dama sonne: I am tired
Dama mar: I am thirsty
Dama xiif: I am hungry
Dama tang: I am hot
Dama sedd: i am cold
Ama guma khaliss: I don't have money
Sama kass bokk: give me tea
Beug nga nane ataya: do you like attaya
Beug na ataya: i like attaya
Useful for Bargaining/Taxis
Daffa cher: it's expensive
Ba-khna: it's good (price)
Am nga wechit dix mille: do you have change for 10 thousand
Ay bulma sonal wai: stop tiring me (used like "give me a break!")
Duma watche bess: I’m not a beginner! (aka don't try to gip me!)
Saying Goodbye
Nou fanan ak jam: have a good night
Yendu ak jam: have a good day
Ba benen yon: see you next time
Ba suba: see you tomorrow
Leggey Leggey: see you soon (the same day)
Ba chee kha nam: see you later