Parts of the body in Wolof, from head to toe: 29 words checked against reference sources (Senegalese Wolof, official spelling). Useful at the doctor’s, and to understand many expressions.

1

Body parts

bopphead
kanamface
bëteye
bakkannose
gémmiñmouth
noppear
bëñtooth
lammiñtongue
kawarhair
loxohand, arm
biirbelly; inside
baatneck; voice
gannaawback
derskin
dereetblood
yarambody
jëforehead
yéeneyelid
sikkimchin; beard
lexcheek
tuñlip
mbaggshoulder
conccelbow
baaraam loxofinger
baaraam tanktoe
óomknee
poojthigh
wefingernail
weenbreast

Test yourself

1. What does “kanam” mean?

2. What does “kawar” mean?

3. What does “yaram” mean?

4. What does “concc” mean?

Where do these words come from?
The words in this article come from: Peace Corps Senegal Wolof manual (2012). They are copied with their exact spelling; when two sources disagree, the variant is shown. Do you speak this language and spot a mistake? Write to us.