Shopping

1. Joli don?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The most basic way to ask a price while shopping

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary has "jòli dòn ?" (how much?). Prices may be quoted in units of 5 francs (dɔrɔmɛ), so confirm the amount

2. A sɔngɔ ka gɛlɛn. I tɛ dɔ bɔ a la wa?

   It is expensive. Won't you lower the price?

   Usage

   A standard line for bargaining at the market

   Grammar Note

   This sentence comes straight from the dictionary ("À sɔ̀ngɔ ka gɛ̀lɛn. I tɛ dɔ bɔ à la ?"). "dɔ bɔ … la" means to take a little off

3. N bɛ filɛ dɔrɔn

   I am just looking

   Usage

   Tell a seller you are only looking

   Grammar Note

   "dɔrɔn" limits the word before it. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

4. N b'a fɛ ka nin san

   I want to buy this

   Usage

   Say it while pointing at what you want

   Grammar Note

   The object "nin" comes before the verb "san". Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

5. I bɛ se ka n dɛmɛ wa?

   Can you help me?

   Usage

   Ask a shop assistant for help

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary's "I ka n dɛmɛ!" is an order; this is the "can you" question form. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

6. Falen bɛ i bolo wa?

   Do you have change?

   Usage

   Asks whether the seller has change

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary has "fàlen tɛ́ ń fɛ̀" (I have no change). Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

7. N b'a fɛ ka dulɔkiba san

   I want to buy a boubou

   Usage

   For buying traditional clothing; "dulɔkiba" is the boubou; the base word "dulɔki" means a shirt or garment in general

   Grammar Note

   An ka taa glosses "dùlɔ̀kìba" as boubou (dulɔki, shirt or garment, plus ba, big; "dèrèkèba" is the Jula form). Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

8. A ka ɲi, n b'a fɛ

   That is beautiful. I want it

   Usage

   For choosing something you like

   Grammar Note

   "ɲi" means good or beautiful; two clauses are simply placed side by side. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

9. N ka wari ma dafa

   I don't have enough money

   Usage

   When you cannot afford the price or lack enough money

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary has "N ka wari ma dafa" (I don't have enough money)

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