Wolof – Gambian (EC)
Moom la and Deffa
Learning the difference between when to use “moom la” and “deffa” can be tricky. It is not always a one-rule-fits-all situation for using these two words. Essentially, moom la can be used to mean the pronouns him or her. It is used in regard to a specific, present person.
Deffa on the other hand, most often means it. What makes this tricky is that deffa can change, based on context. It can also be used to mean he/she, it, or more generally, something.
Here are some examples of each being used that will hopefully serve as clarification.
Remember not to get frustrated with trying to fit each word into a specific rule. Context matters!
| Moom la | Deffa |
| Si moom la don wahal.
I’ve been talking to him/her. |
Deffa jeh, farra deshoot.
It is finished, there is nothing left. |
| Kan mor moom teeri bi? Moom la.
Who is the one that owns this book? He/she is the one. |
Deffa am luna la buga wah. There is something I want to say. |
|
Moom nyatah kudu malow la buga? How many spoons of rice does he/she want? |
Deffa rafet. He is handsome |
| Moom la don andaa.
She was the one I used to go with. |
Am na Robert? Deffa dem si marche bi.
Where is Robert? He is at the market.
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