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