VVerde Wave Travel

🗣️ Phrases in Senegal’s languages

French is the official language, but the soul of Senegal is Wolof — the most spoken on Dakar’s streets and across the diaspora. Alongside it, Pulaar (Fula) is spoken in the north and Serer on the central coast. Knowing how to greet in Wolof changes how you’re welcomed. Here are essential phrases to help your trip.

⚠️ Phrases under review by native speakers — use them as a starting point and confirm pronunciation locally. Spelling can vary by region.

Wolof

The soul of the country and the most spoken on Dakar’s streets.

  • Salaam aleekum

    Hello / peace be with you

  • Na nga def?

    How are you?

  • Maa ngi fi

    I’m fine (here)

  • Jërëjëf

    Thank you

  • Waaw / Déedéet

    Yes / No

  • Ñaata la?

    How much?

  • Baal ma

    Sorry / excuse me

  • Ba beneen yoon

    Until next time

Pulaar (Fula)

Spoken by the Fula/Peul community, mainly in the north and northeast.

  • Jam waali

    Good morning (did you sleep well?)

  • No mbaɗ-ɗaa?

    How are you?

  • Jam tan

    Fine, just peace

  • A jaaraama

    Thank you

  • Eey / Alaa

    Yes / No

Serer

Spoken in the Sine-Saloum region and the central coast.

  • Nam fio?

    How are you?

  • Mbërëm

    Thank you

💡 And to arrive already connected and practise on the way, the Senegal eSIM has you covered.