yoga

The word “yoga” means a system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation originating in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, practiced for physical fitness and mental calm. In plain terms, a practice combining stretching poses, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, widely done today for fitness and stress relief.

“Yoga” is pronounced YOH-guh (/ˈjoʊ.ɡə/ in IPA).

Here is “yoga” used in a sentence: “She starts every morning with twenty minutes of yoga.”

“Yoga” is a noun.

The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit "yoga," meaning "yoking" or "union," from a root meaning "to join" — the same ancient root that gives us the English word "yoke.".

“Yoga” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Yoga is a system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation with roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, practised for both fitness and mental calm. Pilates is a modern exercise method focused mainly on core strength and controlled movement, without yoga's meditative and spiritual dimension.

Yoga originates in Hindu and Buddhist traditions but is widely practised today simply as a system of postures, breathing, and meditation for physical fitness and mental calm. Many people practise it purely for exercise and relaxation rather than as a religious activity.

A yoga practice typically combines three elements: physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Together these aim to improve both physical fitness and mental calm.