xaaral
To say 'wait' in Wolof, use xaaral.
The verb xaaral means to delay until some event.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'we are waiting' or 'we wait', use the auxiliary dañu followed by the verb xaar.
Did you know?
- In Wolof culture, waiting is not just a delay but is woven into teranga, the overarching philosophy of hospitality and welcoming guests.
- Unlike English where 'wait' can be a neutral command, a sudden xaaral! in Wolof can carry an urgent, almost cautionary tone, similar to 'hold on' or 'stop right there' in an emergency.
- The suffix -al in xaaral transforms the base action of waiting into a directive, specifically asking someone to wait on your behalf.
Examples in context
- Xaaral maWait for me
- Xaaral sama yaay.Wait for my mother.
- Dinaa la xaaral ñaari minit.I will wait for you for two minutes.
- Xaaral njiit bi mu ñëw.Wait until the boss arrives.
Example conversation
Moussa and Astou are meeting at a market.
- MoussaAstou, xaaral ma fi.Astou, wait for me here.
- AstouLu tax, Moussa?Why, Moussa?
- MoussaDama bëgg jënd lëndëm.I want to buy some salt.
- AstouBaax na, ma ngi xaar.Alright, I am waiting.
