karma
/ˈkaɾma/
To say karma in Tagalog, use karma. The word is the same as in English.
karma refers to the idea that a person's actions come back to them, and it is used in everyday conversation.
Meaning: the total effect of a person’s actions and conduct during the successive phases of his existence (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The pack gives /ˈkaɾma/, with the stress on the first syllable and a tapped r.
Did you know?
- The word karma is a doublet of the Tagalog word kalma, as both originate from the same ancient Sanskrit root.
- While karma is a borrowed word, Filipinos also use the native phrase ganti ng tadhana to describe the 'revenge of fate'.
- In Filipino soap operas and pop culture, karma is frequently used as a structural plot device to ensure villains receive a 'poetic justice' ending.
Examples in context
- Hindi ako naniniwala sa karma.I don't believe in karma.Hindi ako naniniwala sa karma means I don't believe in karma.Tatoeba #11710567 by Salt, translation #4666478 by CK
- Nakaranas siya ng karma matapos maloko ang kanyang kaibigan.He experienced karma after deceiving his friend.
- Sinabi ko sa'yo, huwag mo siyang biruin. Karma lang 'yan!I told you not to tease him. That's just karma!
- Mabilis dumating ang karma.Karma arrives quickly.
- Ang karma ay bunga ng ating mga gawa.Karma is the fruit of our actions.
Example conversation
Juan and Christina are talking about a former colleague who was unkind.
- JuanGrabe ang ginawa niya sa mga kasamahan natin.What he did to our colleagues was too much.
- ChristinaHayaan mo na, may karma naman yan.Just let it be, he will have karma.
- JuanSana ay mabilis itong dumating.I hope it comes quickly.
- ChristinaTotoo, hindi nawawala ang karma.True, karma never fails.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “karma” translations and entries karma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries karma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
