Wolof Colors: How to Describe What You See
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Colors do more than decorate life in Senegal; they speak.
In Wolof culture, colors are emotion, status, rhythm, and even spirituality. Whether it’s the bright fabrics of a boubou or the vibrant paint of Dakar’s markets, every hue tells a story.
Let’s learn how the Wolof describe what they see and what those colors mean beyond the words.
The Basic Colors in Wolof
Here’s how to name the colors you’ll encounter most often:
| English | Wolof | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| White | Weex | Mbubb bi weex la. – The dress is white. |
| Black | Ñuul | Auto bi ñuul na. – The car is black. |
| Red | Xonk | Sandal yi xonk nañu. – The shoes are red. |
| Blue | Bulu | Liggéeyukaay bi bulu la. – The work tool is blue. |
| Green | Ver | Sama ndaw ver la soxla. – My child likes green. |
| Yellow | Soriñ | Lew bi soriñ la. – The sun is yellow. |
💡 Fun tip: Some color words in Wolof are borrowed from French (ver from “vert,” soriñ from “jaune”), a reflection of Senegal’s multilingual roots.
Color and Culture: More Than Words
In Wolof society, color is often linked to emotion, religion, and social events.
White (Weex) symbolizes purity, peace, and spirituality, especially in Islamic traditions and naming ceremonies.
Red (Xonk) evokes energy and celebration. It’s common in weddings and sabar dance costumes.
Black (Ñuul) represents mystery or power, not negativity. It’s seen in traditional charms and certain gris-gris for protection.
Green (Ver), associated with Islam, symbolizes growth, faith, and life.
Yellow (Soriñ) is linked with wealth, harvest, and good fortune.
These meanings show that color in Wolof life isn’t just visual; it’s deeply cultural.
Describing Shades and Brightness
Want to say something is light or dark in Wolof?
You can add these words:
Ndaw → “light”
Weex ndaw = light white (pale)Reer → “dark”
Xonk reer = dark red
Try combining colors creatively:
Bulu ndaw (light blue)
Ver reer (deep green)
Color in Everyday Expressions
Wolof uses color to describe mood and identity, too:
Sama bopp weex na → I’m calm / peaceful today.
Xelam xonk na → He’s excited / fired up.
Ñuul ci xol → Dark-hearted (a poetic way to say “cruel”).
See? Colors reflect both how things look and how people feel.
Try It Yourself!
Next time you’re out, describe what you see in Wolof.
The sky? Bulu ndaw.
The tree? Ver reer.
Your outfit? Maybe weex ak xonk — white and red!
You’re not just learning vocabulary, you’re learning how Senegalese people connect language to beauty, faith, and emotion.
FAQs
1. How do you say “color” in Wolof?
→ Mbóot means “color.”
2. Are there Wolof words for pink or purple?
→ Yes! Rós (from “rose”) for pink, and violé (from “violet”) for purple.
3. Do Wolof colors have symbolic meanings?
→ Absolutely. Many are tied to Islamic, spiritual, and social contexts; especially weex (purity) and ver (faith).
4. How do kids learn color words in Senegal?
→ Through songs, storytelling, and market play; often mixing Wolof, French, and Arabic.
5. What’s the most important color in Wolof culture?
→ Many say green (ver) because of its link to Islam and vitality, but white (weex) remains the symbol of peace and celebration.