How to Pronounce “dharma”

American (US)

/ˈdɑɹ.mə/

British (UK)

/ˈdɑː.mə/

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

Where the stress falls. “dharma” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɑɹ.mə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈdɑɹ.mə/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "dharma" mean?

dharma (noun): The natural order of the universe; natural law, cosmic order.

How do you pronounce "dharma" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈdɑɹ.mə/. British English: /ˈdɑː.mə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "dharma"?

/ˈdɑɹ.mə/ in American English, /ˈdɑː.mə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "dharma"?

“dharma” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɑɹ.mə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.