Begg naa la
The phrase "I love you" in Wolof is Begg naa la.
In Wolof, rather than using a specific verb that translates to "to love," people express romantic feelings by stating that they need or want the person.
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Begg naa la is composed of begg (to need or want), naa (a marker indicating the perfective aspect or a completed action) and la (the singular second person pronoun for "you").
Did you know?
- Because begg means both 'to want' and 'to love', the phrase Begg naa la can be used to tell someone you love them or to tell a shopkeeper you want a specific item.
- In Senegalese culture, romantic feelings are often expressed through indirect actions or 'teranga' (hospitality) rather than the direct vocalization of Begg naa la.
- While English speakers often use 'love' to describe objects like 'I love this book', using Begg naa la for an inanimate object makes it sound like you are hungry for it.
Examples in context
- Begg naa la.I love you.
Example conversation
Moussa and Fatou are sitting in a park during sunset.
- FatouMoussa, begg naa la.Moussa, I love you.
- MoussaDama la begg lool, Fatou.I love you very much, Fatou.
- FatouSama xol bi yaab na.My heart is racing.
- MoussaMbegeel bi dëgg la.The love is real.
