Na nga def
In Wolof, 'hi' is expressed as Na nga def.
Na nga def is a friendly, informal greeting.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Na nga def literally translates to 'How are you doing?' or 'How are you?'
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Naka nga def, which is an informal way to ask 'How are you?'
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual contexts, the phrase Na nga def is often written or spoken as a single word: Nanga def.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with Na nga def, the standard response is Mangi fi, which literally means 'I am here' (implying 'I am well').
Did you know?
- Wolof is a 'teranga' culture, a word meaning 'hospitality'. This value makes the exchange of greetings like Na nga def essential and far more mandatory than a casual 'hi' in English.
- In some regional variations of Wolof, the phrase Na nga def may be preceded by a religious greeting in Arabic, as Senegal has a strong Islamic influence.
- Wolof speakers often extend greetings into a long ritual of asking about family and work before starting a real conversation.
Examples in context
- Na nga def?How are you?
- Mangi fi, na nga def?I am here, how are you?
- Na nga def, sama xarit?How are you, my friend?
Example conversation
Mariama sees Moussa in the street and greets him.
- MariamaNa nga def, Moussa!How are you, Moussa!
- MoussaMangi fi, rekk. Yaw nag?I am fine, just here. And you?
- MariamaMangi fi rek.I am also just fine.
- MoussaBa beneen.Until next time.
