Common Wolof proverbs and figurative idioms with their meanings explained, for an upper-level learner. Front: the Wolof idiom. Back: English meaning and usage note.
32 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- Ndank ndank la jaan di dox
- Slowly, slowly is how the snake walks. A well-known proverb praising patience: good things take steady, unhurried effort.
- Nit, nit ay garabam
- A person is another person's remedy. A well-known proverb meaning people need and heal one another.
- Am xel
- To have mind, i.e. to be clever or sensible
- Am kersa
- To have kersa, i.e. to be modest, decent, and mindful of others' feelings
- Musal kanam
- To save face, to protect one's honor and reputation
- Yàqu xel
- To lose one's mind, to go crazy
- Bëgg bopp
- To be selfish, to only love oneself
- Am jom
- To have jom, i.e. to show courage and self-respect
- Wax dëgg
- To speak the truth, an idiom for being an honest person
- Sonn xel
- To be mentally exhausted, worn out with worry
- Bind bopp
- To determine one's own fate, to write one's own destiny
- Xam bopp
- Self-awareness, knowing oneself
- Am ngor
- To have ngor, i.e. to carry oneself with dignity and nobility
- Am yiw
- To be blessed, to have good fortune and grace
- Réew mu jàmm
- A peaceful country or place, often used to describe Senegal's reputation for stability
FlashKeepers