Mangui lay ndokkel ci sa bess bu délu si bi
In Wolof, the phrase for "happy birthday" is Mangui lay ndokkel ci sa bess bu délu si bi.
This phrase is used to offer good wishes to someone on their birthday.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I am congratulating you on your day of return/reappearance".
Did you know?
- While the phrase Mangui lay ndokkel ci sa bess bu délu si bi is grammatically correct, in casual street Wolof in Dakar, people might simply say 'Joyeux anniversaire' due to French influence.
- In traditional Senegalese society, birthdays were historically less emphasized than naming ceremonies or religious holidays.
- The phrase uses bess, which means 'day', but in Wolof, this word is also used in various idioms to describe a specific period of destiny or fate.
Example conversation
Omar is celebrating Khadija's birthday with a cake.
- OmarMangui lay ndokkel ci sa bess bu délu si bi, Khadija!Happy birthday, Khadija!
- KhadijaJërëjëf, Omar! Loolu neex na ma.Thank you, Omar! That makes me happy.
- OmarNdax yaa ngi bëgg sa cadeau bi?Do you like your gift?
- KhadijaWaaw, baax na lool!Yes, it is very good!
