Useful Wolof phrases for travelers in Dakar

French will get you around Dakar, but a handful of Wolof phrases opens doors: people smile faster, market prices soften and conversations start naturally. Here is what to learn before the JOJ Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, running from 31 October to 13 November 2026, whether you are cheering on a young athlete, reporting on the event or simply exploring the city.

Greetings and courtesy: the heart of teranga

In Senegal, you never ask a question without greeting first. Whether you need directions in Ouakam or a bottle of water in Yoff, start with a greeting.

• Salaam aleekum: hello (literally "peace be upon you"). Reply: Maalekum salaam.
• Na nga def?: how are you? Reply: Maa ngi fi rekk (I'm fine, I'm here).
• Jërëjëf: thank you. Easily the most useful word of your trip.
• Waaw: yes. Déedéet: no.
• Baal ma: sorry, excuse me.
• Ba beneen: see you next time. Ba suba: see you tomorrow.

Asking about someone's family (Ana waa kër gi?) goes a long way, especially with shopkeepers you see every day, from Mermoz to Guédiawaye.

Markets and taxis: bargaining in Wolof

At Sandaga, Kermel market in Plateau or Tilène market in Médina, haggling is expected. Dakar's yellow and black taxis have no meter, so agree on the fare before getting in.

• Ñaata la?: how much is it?
• Dafa seer: it's expensive.
• Wàññi ko tuuti: lower it a little.
• Dinaa dem Point E: I'm going to Point E.
• Fii la: right here (to get out).
• Taxi bi, ñaata ba Almadies?: driver, how much to Almadies?

A ride within the city usually costs between 1,500 and 3,500 FCFA depending on distance and time of day, more at night or to the airport. Carry small FCFA notes and coins: taxis, markets and neighborhood shops run on cash. Yango and Heetch take cash, Wave or Orange Money, not cards. Visa works in hotels and supermarkets, and ATMs are the easiest way to get cash. To reach the Diamniadio venues, the TER train runs from Dakar station in Plateau through Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny.

Numbers and the "dërëm" trap

The basics: benn (1), ñaar (2), ñett (3), ñeent (4), juróom (5), juróom benn (6), juróom ñaar (7), juróom ñett (8), juróom ñeent (9), fukk (10), ñaar fukk (20), téeméer (100), junni (1,000).

Watch out: many market vendors still count in dërëm, a unit worth 5 FCFA. When someone says "téeméer", they often mean 500 FCFA, not 100. If in doubt, ask for the price in CFA francs or have it typed on your phone.

Easy pronunciation and cheering at the Games

Wolof is written almost exactly as it sounds:

• ë sounds like the "u" in "fun".
• ñ sounds like the "ny" in "canyon".
• x is a throaty sound, like the Scottish "loch".
• c sounds like "ch", j like the "j" in "jam", u like "oo".
• Double letters are held a little longer.

In the stands at Complexe Iba Mar Diop, Dakar Arena or on the beach in Saly, cheer the 15 to 18 year old athletes with Doole! (strength!), Ñu ngi ak yéen! (we're with you!) or Ndokkale! (congratulations!) after a win. For event schedules and tickets, check the organizing committee's official website or app.

Where to learn Wolof in Dakar

A few hours of lessons before or during your stay are enough for basic conversation. Several language centers offer short courses, and chatting with neighbors, drivers and vendors in Liberté 6 or Parcelles Assainies remains the best classroom. To plan the rest of your trip, browse Dakar travel and tourism listings on SeneFinder.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Dakar English Language Center : Sicap, language center.
• Centre de Langues de l'Institut Français du Sénégal : Plateau, language center.
• Innovative Language And Education Services : Dakar, language and education services.

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page: venues, transport and tips for the Games.
• FCFA currency converter: check a price before you bargain.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers (17, 18, 1515) and transport info.
• Our guide to learning Wolof in Dakar covers methods and classes in more depth.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak Wolof to visit Dakar?

No, French is the official language and is widely understood in the city. A few Wolof words like Salaam aleekum or Jërëjëf still make every exchange warmer.

How do you say thank you in Wolof?

You say Jërëjëf, pronounced roughly "jeh-reh-jef". If someone thanks you, reply Ñoo ko bokk, meaning "we share it".

How can I avoid price confusion at the market?

Ask Ñaata la? and check whether the answer is in dërëm, a unit worth 5 FCFA. When unsure, have the amount written in CFA francs before paying.