rafet
The Wolof word for beautiful is rafet.
The adjective rafet is used to describe things that are attractive, including both people and inanimate objects such as scenery or various items.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that something is beautiful, you add the particle na after the adjective to form rafet na. If you want to specify that something is beautiful in a particular way or aspect, you use the phrase rafet na ci.
Did you know?
- A person's 'beauty' in Wolof culture is often deeply tied to their 'kersa', a concept of modesty and dignity that makes them 'rafet' in the eyes of society.
- In everyday conversation, saying rafet na about a situation often means the situation is 'fine' or 'satisfactory' rather than visually stunning.
- The particle na in rafet na is not a simple equivalent of 'is', but a marker indicating a completed action or a stable state.
Examples in context
- Xëtt bi rafet na.The cloth is beautiful.
- Lii rafet na lool.This is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Moussa and Mariama are looking at a new dress in a shop.
- MoussaMariama, xoolal xëtt bi.Mariama, look at this cloth.
- MariamaWaaw, rafet na lool!Yes, it is very beautiful!
- MoussaNdax rafet na ci yaw?Does it look beautiful on you?
- MariamaWaaw, rafet na te neex na.Yes, it is beautiful and nice.
