dama bég
In Wolof, "I am happy" is expressed as dama bég.
dama bég is a phrase used to state that you are feeling joy or contentment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it is I who am happy". In this construction, da serves as a focus marker and ma is the first-person singular pronoun.
Did you know?
- The phrase dama bég is often followed by Alhamdoulilah, an Arabic expression of gratitude to God, reflecting the deep Islamic influence on the Wolof language.
- In Wolof, the same word bég used in dama bég can describe the physical sensation of a delicious meal or the comfort of a bed.
- To express profound happiness, Wolof speakers often repeat the word bég twice, such as dama bég bég, to add emphasis.
Examples in context
- Dama bég lool.I am very happy.
- Dama bég ci li xew.I am happy about what happened.
Example conversation
Fatou tells Moussa about her good news.
- FatouMoussa, dama bég lool!Moussa, I am very happy!
- MoussaLu tax nga bég?Why are you happy?
- FatouDama bég ndax ma am liggéey.I am happy because I got a job.
- MoussaMa ngi kontanti ci yaw.I am glad for you.
