noun

kama

kah-muh

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Kama (noun) means a curved, sickle-shaped hand weapon, originally an Okinawan farming tool used for cutting crops before it became a martial-arts weapon. Example: “The instructor demonstrated a kata using a pair of kama.”

noun

A curved, sickle-shaped hand weapon, originally an Okinawan farming tool used for cutting crops before it became a martial-arts weapon.

"The instructor demonstrated a kata using a pair of kama."

"Kama were once ordinary rice-harvesting sickles before farmers adapted them for self-defence."

In Hindu philosophy, desire or pleasure — especially sensual and aesthetic enjoyment — regarded as one of life’s four legitimate goals.

"Kama is listed alongside dharma, artha, and moksha as one of the four aims of life in Hindu thought."

"The Kama Sutra takes its name from this concept of desire and pleasure."

How to use kama

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a curved bladed weapon derived from a farm sickle, or the Sanskrit concept of desire/pleasure in Hindu philosophy.

Common mistake

These are two unrelated words that happen to share a spelling — one Japanese, one Sanskrit. Context (martial arts vs. philosophy/religion) tells you which is meant.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Test yourself on “kama” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The instructor demonstrated a kata using a pair of _____.

Etymology

The weapon sense comes from Japanese kama, "sickle." The Hindu philosophical sense is a separate word from Sanskrit, meaning "desire."

Origin: Sanskrit

Rhymes for kama

ama lama mama tama gama Yama Bama Hama Sama llama drama Osama

See all rhymes for kama →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kama” mean?

The word “kama” means a curved, sickle-shaped hand weapon, originally an Okinawan farming tool used for cutting crops before it became a martial-arts weapon. In plain terms, either a curved bladed weapon derived from a farm sickle, or the Sanskrit concept of desire/pleasure in Hindu philosophy.

How do you pronounce “kama”?

“Kama” is pronounced kah-muh (/kɑmə/ in IPA).

How do you use “kama” in a sentence?

Here is “kama” used in a sentence: “The instructor demonstrated a kata using a pair of kama.”

What part of speech is “kama”?

“Kama” is a noun.

Where does the word “kama” come from?

The word “kama” comes from Sanskrit. The weapon sense comes from Japanese kama, "sickle." The Hindu philosophical sense is a separate word from Sanskrit, meaning "desire.".

How many meanings does “kama” have?

“Kama” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved, sickle-shaped hand weapon, originally an Okinawan farming tool used for cutting crops before it became a martial-arts weapon.

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Vocabulary lists that include kama:

Words with Sanskrit origins Words that start with K