mala
mala is the French word for a string of prayer beads used in Buddhism or Hinduism.
The term refers specifically to the religious strings of beads used in Buddhist or Hindu spiritual practices.
Did you know?
- In French, the individual beads of a mala are called grains, which is the same word used for 'seeds' of a plant or 'grains' of sand.
- Choosing to say mala instead of the more common chapelet explicitly signals a speaker's alignment with Eastern rather than Catholic traditions.
- If a French speaker is discussing the physical act of using the beads, they will use the verb compter (to count) rather than a specific verb unique to the tool itself.
Examples in context
- Cette sortie était pas terrible.This outing wasn't great.
- Elle tient un mala en bois.She is holding a wooden mala.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau mala.I bought a new mala.
- Le mala est posé sur l'autel.The mala is placed on the altar.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are at a spiritual boutique.
- LéaRegarde ce beau mala, Hugo.Look at this beautiful mala, Hugo.
- HugoIl est très élégant.It is very elegant.
- LéaTu en veux un pour toi ?Do you want one for yourself?
- HugoNon, je vais juste regarder.No, I am just going to look.
