How to pronounce nirvana
Say it like neer-VAH-nuh. Nirvana has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nirvana. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- neer
- VAH
- nuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nirvana pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- neerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- VAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nirvana
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: nur-VAH-nuh.
What does nirvana mean?
- Complete cessation of dukkha; a blissful state attained through realization of sunyata; enlightened experience.
- State of paradise; heightened or great pleasure or peace; a state of universal perfection and bliss.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nirvana
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nirvana.
Questions about saying nirvana
How do you pronounce nirvana?
Say neer-VAH-nuh. The American pronunciation is /nɪrˈvɑnə/. In British English it is /nɜːˈvɑːnə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nirvana?
Nirvana has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAH). Broken into parts: neer · VAH · nuh.
Is nirvana pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /nɜːˈvɑːnə/ (nur-VAH-nuh).