A jaɓɓaama
The English phrase "welcome" is translated into Fulani as A jaɓɓaama.
This phrase is a greeting used when someone arrives.
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the pronoun a (you), the verb jaɓɓude (to receive/accept) and the passive marker -ma, which literally translates to "You are received/accepted".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on whom you are addressing. Use A jaɓɓaama when addressing a single person. Use On jaɓɓaama to welcome more than one person or to use a more respectful form.
Did you know?
- The root verb jaɓɓude means 'to receive' or 'to accept' and is used not only for greeting guests but also when agreeing to a marriage proposal.
- In many Fulani communities, welcoming someone is not just a verbal ritual but is often accompanied by the physical act of offering water or tea to the guest. To refuse the hospitality that follows the phrase A jaɓɓaama can sometimes be seen as a social slight.
- Because Fulani is a tonal language, the high or low pitch you use when saying A jaɓɓaama can completely change the emotional warmth of the welcome.
Examples in context
- A jaɓɓaama ɗoo.Welcome here.
- A jaɓɓaama e mbeelu ɗoo.Welcome to this place.
Example conversation
Abdoulaye arrives at Aissata's home for a visit.
- AissataA jaɓɓaama, Abdoulaye!Welcome, Abdoulaye!
- AbdoulayeMi jabaa, Aissata.Thank you, Aissata.
- AissataHala mbee, ɗuure ɗoo?How is it, how is the family?
- AbdoulayeƁe ɓunni, mido njaɓɓa.They are all fine, I am happy.
