karma
/kaʁ.ma/masculine
The French word for karma is karma.
The noun refers to the total effect of a person’s actions and conduct during the successive phases of their existence. While karma is used to discuss the concept, you might also use the expression le retour de bâton, which translates to the boomerang effect, to convey the notion of karma.
Meaning: the total effect of a person’s actions and conduct during the successive phases of his existence (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because karma is a masculine noun, the contraction of the preposition à and the article le results in au karma.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /kaʁ.ma/.
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone is experiencing 'bad karma' in a very common, colloquial way, you might say 'ça lui revient en pleine figure', which means 'it comes back and hits them right in the face'.
- While karma is used in spiritual contexts, a French speaker might describe a sudden, negative consequence of one's actions as le retour de bâton, literally 'the return of the stick'.
- In French, le retour de bâton is often used specifically for a negative consequence, whereas karma can be perceived as neutral or positive.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce que le karma ?What is karma?This sentence is useful for asking for a definition of karma.Tatoeba #1200948 by sacredceltic, translation #13604648 by araneo
- Je ne crois pas au karma.I don't believe in karma.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of belief in karma.Tatoeba #5655626 by Yemana, translation #4666478 by CK
- La notion de karma est un concept profondément enraciné dans la philosophie indienne.The concept of karma is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy.
- Le karma représente la croyance en la rétribution des actions humaines.Karma represents the belief in the retribution of human actions.
- Lorsqu'on fait du mal, le retour de bâton peut frapper à tout moment.When you do harm, the boomerang effect can strike at any time.
- Son karma est excellent après tant de bonnes actions.His karma is excellent after so many good deeds.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a recent event in their lives.
- HugoIl a tout perdu sans raison apparente.He lost everything for no apparent reason.
- LéaC'est peut-être une question de karma.Maybe it is a matter of karma.
- HugoTu penses que son karma le punit ?Do you think his karma is punishing him?
- LéaLa vie est parfois imprévisible.Life is sometimes unpredictable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “karma” translations and entries karma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
