waaw
The English word 'yes' is translated into Wolof as waaw. It is also spelled waawaaw.
Meaning: word used to indicate agreement or acceptance (particle)
Ways to say it
| Wolof | Note |
|---|---|
| waaw | |
| waawaaw | alternative form |
waaw is a particle used to express agreement or acceptance.
Which one should you use?
waawaaw is an alternative spelling of waaw.
Did you know?
- In Senegal, the social custom of 'Teranga' or hospitality often means people will say waaw to a request even if they cannot fulfill it, to avoid being impolite.
- In many social contexts, simply saying waaw can be perceived as too blunt or abrupt. To show politeness or respect to elders, one might add honorific markers to the response.
- Wolof is a 'pro-drop' language, meaning that in many contexts, the waaw is omitted entirely and agreement is shown only through the verb form or a gesture.
Examples in context
- WaawYes
- Waaw, lii laa bëgg.Yes, this is what I want.
- Waaw, mën na.Yes, it is possible.
Example conversation
Moussa asks Mariama if she is coming to the market.
- MoussaMariama, ndax dinga ñëw marse bi?Mariama, are you coming to the market?
- MariamaWaaw, dina ñëw.Yes, I will come.
- MoussaNdax am na mbir yu am solo?Is there anything important?
- MariamaWaaw, am na.Yes, there is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries waaw, waawaaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
