Dama la nam
The English phrase "I miss you" is translated into Wolof as Dama la nam.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
Which one should you use?
Use Dama la nam for a single person. Use Dama leen nam to address multiple people or to show formal respect. If you want to say "I miss him" or "I miss her", use Dama ko nam.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Dama la nam, the pronoun la refers to a single person (you). When addressing more than one person, la is replaced with leen. When referring to a third party (him or her), la is replaced with ko.
Did you know?
- While 'Dama la nam' is common, in some contexts, people may use the word sonn to describe the 'aching' or 'exhausting' feeling that comes from missing someone deeply.
- The word nam can also be used to describe the feeling of longing for a specific food or a taste from one's childhood.
- Because Senegalese society is highly communal, saying Dama la nam is frequently followed by asking about sa kër, which literally means 'your house' but refers to the health and well-being of the entire family.
Examples in context
- Dama la nam bu bari.I miss you very much.
- Dama la nam te bëgg na la.I miss you and I love you.
- Dama la nam, danga nekk ci sama xel.I miss you, you are in my mind.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone after a long time.
- KhadijaAssalamu alaikum, Moussa.Hello, Moussa.
- MoussaWaaw, Khadija, nanga def?Yes, Khadija, how are you?
- KhadijaDama la nam bu bari, Moussa.I miss you very much, Moussa.
- MoussaMan tamit dama la nam.I miss you too.
