Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

dharma

/ˈdɑɹ.mə/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.27 in modern English

Syllables
dhar-ma
IPA
/ˈdɑɹ.mə/
12
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The natural order of the universe; natural law, cosmic order.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

One's obligation in respect to one's position in society, or the universe; one's duty, societally or cosmically.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The teachings of the Buddha as one's personal path to enlightenment.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The teachings of the Buddha as a practice to be promulgated and taught.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Rule of conduct.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Alternative form of dharma.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Sanskrit धर्म (dhárma, “that which upholds or supports”). The definitions pertaining to Buddhism are influenced by dhamma, a loan word from Pali. Doublet of dhamma and firm.

Word Breakdown

  • Root: धृ, *dʰer-

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈdɑɹ.mə/
  • British English: /ˈdɑː.mə/

Usage

Inflected Forms

dharmas (plural)

Derived Forms

dharmic Dharmism Dharmist

Phrases

Buddha-dharma dharma talk Sanatana Dharma ()

Frequently Paired Words

Sanatana Dharma () rta karma

Antonyms

adharma

Rhymes With

karma sharma pharma parma

Questions

How do you pronounce dharma?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɑɹ.mə/.
What does dharma mean?
The natural order of the universe; natural law, cosmic order.
Where does dharma come from?
Learned borrowing from Sanskrit धर्म (dhárma, “that which upholds or supports”). The definitions pertaining to Buddhism are influenced by dhamma, a loan word from Pali. Doublet of dhamma and firm.

How to pronounce dharma

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “dharma”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈdɑɹ.mə/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “dharma”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “dharma” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.