In short: Buddhist texts in the Theravāda tradition use Pāli, the language of the early teachings. The core words are few: dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence), anattā (not-self), kamma (intentional action), sati (mindfulness), mettā (loving-kindness) and nibbāna (extinguishment). Below are 32 key terms in plain English, each linked to a fuller guide.
32 key terms, A to Z
| Pāli | English | In a sentence |
|---|---|---|
| anattā | not-self | Nothing in body or mind is a permanent, controllable self. One of the three marks. More |
| anicca | impermanence | Everything conditioned changes. "All conditions are impermanent" (Dhp 277). More |
| ānāpānasati | mindfulness of breathing | The Buddha's own meditation, in 16 steps (MN 118). More |
| appamāda | diligence, heedfulness | Steady care and effort; the Buddha's last word (DN 16). More |
| bhāvanā | meditation, development | Literally "cultivation": developing the mind. More |
| bodhi | awakening | The Buddha's realization; "Buddha" means "the awakened one". More |
| brahmavihāra | divine abodes | Love, compassion, rejoicing and equanimity, spread without limit. More |
| dāna | giving, generosity | Usually the first practice taught to lay people. More |
| Dhamma (Dharma) | the teaching; also natural law | The Buddha's teaching, and the truth it points to. More |
| dukkha | suffering, unsatisfactoriness | From pain to quiet dissatisfaction; the first noble truth. More |
| jhāna | absorption | Deep states of meditative stillness. More |
| kamma (karma) | intentional action | "It is intention that I call deeds" (AN 6.63). More |
| karuṇā | compassion | Wishing beings to be free from suffering. More |
| khandha | aggregates | Form, feeling, perception, choices, consciousness: what we take to be "me". More |
| khanti | patience | "Patient acceptance is the ultimate fervor" (Dhp 184). More |
| magga | path | The Noble Eightfold Path, the Middle Way. More |
| mettā | loving-kindness | Goodwill for all beings, starting with yourself. More |
| muditā | sympathetic joy | Gladness at others' happiness; the antidote to envy. More |
| nibbāna (nirvana) | extinguishment | The end of greed, hate and delusion; the goal of the path. More |
| paritta | protection chant | Discourses chanted for safety and blessing. More |
| paṭicca samuppāda | dependent origination | How suffering arises from conditions, and ends. More |
| puñña | merit | Good deeds and their happy results. More |
| samādhi | immersion, stillness | A collected, unified mind. More |
| samatha | serenity | The calming side of meditation. More |
| saṁsāra | wandering on | The cycle of rebirth. More |
| Saṅgha | the community | The community of monks and nuns; more widely, of practitioners. More |
| sati | mindfulness | Remembering to be present: "keen, aware, and mindful" (SN 47.2). More |
| sīla | ethics, virtue | The precepts and good conduct that support meditation. More |
| taṇhā | craving | Literally "thirst"; the origin of suffering. More |
| upekkhā | equanimity | A balanced, steady mind. More |
| Uposatha | observance day | The moon days for extra practice. More |
| vipassanā | discernment, insight | Seeing clearly how experience works. More |
English renderings follow Bhikkhu Sujato's translations on SuttaCentral where possible (for example "extinguishment" for nibbāna and "immersion" for samādhi). Sanskrit forms such as karma, dharma and nirvana are shown where they are more familiar.
Three words to start with
If you remember only three, make them the three marks of existence: anicca, dukkha, anattā. Almost every teaching builds on them.
Try it
See the words in context: the Dhammapada in Pāli and English, or start practicing with three quiet minutes.
Questions people ask
What does dukkha mean?
Dukkha is usually translated as 'suffering', but it covers everything from pain and grief to a quiet sense that things are never quite satisfying. It is the first of the Four Noble Truths.
What does mettā mean?
Mettā means loving-kindness or love: goodwill toward all beings, starting with yourself.
What is the difference between samatha and vipassanā?
Samatha is serenity, the calming side of meditation; vipassanā is discernment or insight, seeing clearly how experience works. The Buddha taught them together (AN 2.31).