arhat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Academic / Religious
Quick answer
What does “arhat” mean?
In Buddhism and Jainism, a perfected person who has attained enlightenment and is no longer subject to rebirth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Buddhism and Jainism, a perfected person who has attained enlightenment and is no longer subject to rebirth.
A term for an individual who has reached the highest level of spiritual development, free from worldly passions and delusion, often used as an honorific title.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the same spelling and apply it to the same religious contexts.
Connotations
Strongly academic or specialist religious; evokes scholarly discussion of Buddhist philosophy rather than general religious conversation.
Frequency
Equally rare in both regions, found almost exclusively in academic, theological, or comparative religion texts.
Grammar
How to Use “arhat” in a Sentence
The [Buddhist monk] became an arhat.[Name] is regarded as an arhat.The arhat [verb: transcends/attains/embodies].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arhat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, philosophy, and Asian studies to discuss Buddhist and Jain soteriology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A key technical term in Buddhist theology describing a specific stage of the path (particularly in Theravada).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arhat”
- Using 'arhat' to mean any wise or holy person outside of specific Buddhist/Jain contexts.
- Mispronouncing it as 'ar-hat' (like a hat). The 'r' and 'h' are separate sounds.
- Confusing the state of an arhat with that of a bodhisattva (who postpones final nirvana to help others).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. 'Arhat' is the Sanskrit term, while 'arahant' is the Pali term. They refer to the same concept in different ancient Indian languages associated with Buddhism.
Yes, Buddhist texts describe both monks and nuns who attained arhatship. However, historical and textual debates about women's spiritual capacity exist within some traditions.
A Buddha discovers the path to enlightenment independently and teaches it to others. An arhat achieves enlightenment by following the path taught by a Buddha.
No, it is a highly specialised religious/academic term. An average native English speaker is very unlikely to know it.
In Buddhism and Jainism, a perfected person who has attained enlightenment and is no longer subject to rebirth.
Arhat is usually technical / academic / religious in register.
Arhat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːhɑːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑrˌhɑt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is too specific for common idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARhat' sounds like 'Our HAT' - Imagine a wise person placing OUR HAT on the highest shelf, having attained a state 'above' ordinary concerns.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENT IS A DESTINATION / PURIFICATION IS A STATE OF BEING. The arhat is one who has 'arrived' or who has been 'purified' of defilements.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary religious context for the term 'arhat'?