Learn Wolof (Senegalese)
Our language learning app gets you speaking Wolof straightaway. Build confidence and learn to speak Senegalese to family and friends or connect with locals when travelling to Senegal or The Gambia.
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Connect to Wolof culture
Maybe you want to learn Wolof to connect with family in Senegal, explore West African culture or prepare for an upcoming holiday. But finding quality resources that teach you how to speak the language can feel impossible.
uTalk is the solution. We’ll help you avoid:
- Missing out on everyday conversations with Wolof people in Senegal and The Gambia
- Relying on scattered online videos that don’t teach practical spoken phrases
- Losing motivation because traditional courses don't give you the phrases you need from the start
Learn Wolof online with confidence, and open the door to meaningful connections.
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Three steps to learn Wolof fast
No classes to schedule. No jargon. Just a clear path.
Start in minutes
Download the app or open uTalk on your browser, then subscribe. Choose Wolof (Senegalese), then select your first subject to start learning.
Get StartedPractise real phrases
Our app includes short lessons with audio by native speakers and games to help you memorise what you’ve learned. The reviews focus on words you often forget to help you learn faster.
Speak like a local
Try some Wolof phrases with family and friends. uTalk's learning pathways are suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners, covering basic and practical spoken language skills.
Why uTalk is the best Wolof learning app
Using uTalk, you’ll soon be able to recognise key words and phrases in Wolof. Learn on our app according to your schedule.
Speak first
You’ll learn basic greetings, vocabulary around family and travel, and phrases used in everyday spoken Wolof.
Authentic native speakers
Listen to real people speak, not AI voices. Hear the authentic accents of Senegalese and Gambian locals.
Beginner friendly, fun and effective
The app’s game-like structure helps you memorise key features of the language. Lessons are clear and to the point, focusing on getting you speaking in real life.
Speak Wolof today (common phrases and audio)
uTalk helps you learn how to speak and recognise key words and phrases. It's app-based, online and ready when you are.
Kafe laa bëgg, nga baalma.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Nuyu naala.
Hello.
Waaw.
Yes.
Waaw jërëjëf.
Yes please.
Déet.
No.
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Baax na, jërëjëf.
No thanks.
Ma ngi lay ñaan.
Please.
Jërëjëf.
Thank you.
Maangilay sant bu baax.
Thank you very much.
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Ñoo ko bokk.
You’re welcome.
Ñaari biyeer, jërëjëf.
Two beers, please.
biis
bus
wata
car
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taksi
taxi
saxaar
train
gaaru saxaar
railway station
ayrapoor
airport
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otel
hotel
paaspóor
passport
wootekaay
telephone
Nga baalma.
Excuse me.
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Ban waxtu moo jot?
What time is it?
Baamtuwaat ko, nga baalma?
Can you repeat that please?
Waxal ndank.
Please speak more slowly.
Xawma li nga bëgg wax.
I don’t understand.
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Baal ma.
Sorry.
Ani wanag yi?
Where are the toilets?
Wanagu jigeen ñi
Ladies’ Toilet
Wanagu góor ñi
Gents’ Toilet
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Ani tefes gi?
Where is the beach?
Ani bank bi?
Where is the bank?
Bii ñaata lay jar?
How much does this cost?
kàrtu-jëndukaay
credit card
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jëlukaay xaalis
cash machine
Ba beneen yóon.
Goodbye.
garabu bopp buy metti
paracetamol
caabi
keys
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kàrt
map
càmmoñ
left
ndeyjóor
right
benn
one
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ñaar
two
ñett
three
Where is it spoken?
Senegal
Number of speakers
5,000,000
Language family
Niger-Congo
Atlantic–Congo
Senegambian
Fun facts | Wolof
- Watch out for the numbering system, which is based on 5s and 10s, so 16 is 'ten and five-one', and 17 is 'ten and five-two'.
- 'One hand cannot clap' - benn loxo du tàcu - is a Wolof proverb meaning that people who share a common interest need to work together to achieve a common goal.
- The word 'banana' comes from Wolof.
How uTalk helps you learn Senegalese
Language learning should be simple, starting with basic greetings and the most commonly used words. You can then move on to family and number vocabulary and some essential Senegalese phrases. Short and enjoyable lessons make the app ideal for beginners. Practising with native speaker audio and being tested on what you’ve learned will help you retain the nuances of the language. The review sessions adapt to what you’ve learned by going over the words you get wrong more often.
Once you've picked a category such as 'Making Friends', the app will curate the content for you to get you learning in the most effective way. Choose English as the language you want to learn from, or one of the many other languages available. You can learn online or download lessons to review offline. uTalk is available on mobile or desktop, and you can change topics any time to match your language learning goals. Support is only a click away if you have any questions. Our UK-based team is friendly and ready to help when needed.
Wolof and West African languages: What’s the difference?
Wolof is a lingua franca in some areas of West Africa but not all. Let’s find out more.
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Key points
- Wolof is the most widely spoken language in Senegal, used by millions of people across the country as well as in The Gambia and Mauritania. If you’re planning to visit Senegal or connect with the Wolof people, this is the language you need.
- Other West African languages such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are spoken in Nigeria and neighbouring countries. They’re completely different from Wolof. Learning Wolof gives you access to the Senegalese culture and everyday conversation in much of West Africa’s coastal region.
- uTalk teaches 25+ African languages, so you can compare options and even learn more than one if you’re excited about the continent’s linguistic diversity.
Learn Wolof online and discover neighbouring languages
- Wolof belongs to the Senegambian branch of the Niger-Congo language family. It shares this branch with Serer, another language spoken in Senegal. While they’re related, these languages are distinct, with different vocabulary and grammar.
- If you’re interested in exploring other languages spoken in the region, you might want to look at Fula, which is spoken across West Africa. uTalk gives you access to resources for Wolof and many other languages, helping you broaden your understanding of West Africa.
"We help make learning Wolof easy"
"It’s frustrating when you want to learn a language but can’t find quality resources. At uTalk, we include Wolof because it’s the native language of millions in Senegal and an essential part of West African culture. Every language is important to us. We specially recorded native Wolof speakers so you can hear how the language actually sounds."
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Richard Howeson
uTalk Founder
Why learners trust uTalk
We go out of our way to support people who want to learn African and regional languages from around the world. All recordings are of native speakers. Our app is localised to work for English speakers as well as speakers of more than 140 other languages. Join more than 30 million people who have enjoyed using our language learning method, perfected by feedback from language experts, teachers and learners. Check out our reviews to see how learners have used uTalk to build their language confidence.
Your Wolof language learning journey
Say you want to connect with family, explore Senegalese culture or prepare to travel to Senegal or The Gambia, then learning Wolof is key. Wolof is spoken by millions as a native language and even more as a second language throughout the region. Unfortunately, quality Wolof teachings can be hard to come by, but they shouldn’t be.
Get StarteduTalk is the solution. First, select your subject, then start learning basic Senegalese greetings such as Nanga def? Develop your vocab by memorising useful words and phrases for real-life situations. Using our app, you can listen to native speakers talk, record yourself saying the same words and compare your pronunciation. Beginners may find the gamified nature of the app helpful to get them going, and all content is practical and useful for everyday life. Learn online or offline. Follow the app’s learning pathway or jump around to what feels right. Our app lets you be the driver of your language learning journey.
Learn real-life topics in Wolof
Explore the Atlantic–Congo language family
Wolof belongs to the Atlantic–Congo language family. This family of languages covers much of sub-Saharan Africa. If you’re interested in any of the other languages, check out Bemba, Chichewa, Igbo, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, Luganda, Shona, Swahili, Tswana, Tumbuka, Xhosa, Yoruba and Zulu.
These languages share profound historical roots, and exploring them can deepen your understanding of African languages and the diverse cultures of the continent.
Get StartedYour Wolof questions, answered
Do you offer live online classes or is it just an app?
uTalk is an app and online language learning software. Lessons are digital, short and practical. If you want a tutor, the app still helps you prepare for class and review between sessions.
Can I start as a beginner?
Yes. The course begins with basic greetings and everyday words and phrases and takes you to an A1-A2 level on the CEFR scale. Some of our topics even cover material you’d learn as you grow your skills to B1 or B2.
What application languages do you support? Can I learn without English?
Yes. uTalk works for speakers of more than 140 languages. Choose the one that suits you in Settings.
How is content selected and ordered?
Topics are based on real life situations. You can select any category and the app suggests a smart learning order for beginners. You can change it at any time.
How does uTalk compare with YouTube lessons?
YouTube can be useful, but it’s hard to check pronunciation or get structured reviews. uTalk gives you native speaker audio, games that test tricky words more often and a clear path from basic to practical use.
Where can I learn a language with uTalk?
We’re available on iOS, Android, web, Mac and PC. Get started now and you’ll be directed to download uTalk for your device.
What is Wolof, and where is it spoken?
Wolof is the native language of the Wolof people in Senegal, The Gambia and Mauritania. It’s the most widely spoken language in Senegal and is used as a lingua franca by many who speak other languages at home.
Is Wolof on Duolingo?
No, Wolof is not available on Duolingo. But it is available on uTalk, which has more than 150 languages. Our aim is to promote and preserve languages from all over the world, including many African languages.
Is Wolof a tonal language?
Unlike most other languages in the region, Wolof is not a tonal language. That makes pronunciation easier for English speakers and learners from non-tonal language backgrounds.
How fast can I learn to speak Wolof?
When learning a language, short but regular sessions work well. After a few weeks of steady practice using our app, many learners are able to engage in simple conversations. But how often you use the app and for how long, are key factors for how quickly you'll learn.
Can I learn Wolof for free with uTalk?
Starting your learning journey with uTalk is quick and easy, and you can cancel at any time. To ensure there’s no risk to you, we offer a 28-Day Money Back Guarantee if you’re not 100% satisfied.
Topics
- First Words
- Transport
- Restaurant
- Food and Drink
- Cooking
- Places
- Directions
- Illness
- Doctor
- Body
- Emergencies
- Social Phrases
- Leisure
- Likes and Dislikes
- Football Match Abroad
- Football Commentary
- Sports
- Shopping Words
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Clothes
- Ingredients
- Home
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Tools
- Family
- Occupations
- Animals
- Animals' Bodies
- Farming
- Technology
- School
- Business
- Numbers up to Twenty
- Numbers up to Ten Million
- Essential Phrases
- Adjectives
- Prepositions
- Colours
- Countries
- Calendar
- Time
- Timetable
- Outdoors
- Holiday
- Skiing
- Camping
- Golf
- Sailing
- Driving
- Olympics
- Summer Olympics
- Winter Olympics
- Military Commands
- Military Peace Keeping
- Military Intelligence
- Accommodation
- Shopping Phrases
- Travelling
- Free Starter Words
- Disaster Relief - Volunteers
- Natural Disasters
Get by with basic greetings, words and phrases including 'hello', 'thank you' and 'I'd like a coffee please'.