asana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist/Formal
Quick answer
What does “asana” mean?
A physical posture or pose in yoga.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical posture or pose in yoga.
In classical yoga philosophy, one of the eight limbs of yoga, referring specifically to a steady, comfortable seated position for meditation. In modern hatha yoga, the term denotes any of the many physical postures practiced.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term exclusively within yoga contexts.
Connotations
Associated with wellness, spirituality, physical discipline, and sometimes commercialised fitness culture equally in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in the UK, correlating with the slightly higher per capita participation in yoga, but the difference is negligible. The word is specialist in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “asana” in a Sentence
[verb] + asana (practice/hold/master an asana)[adjective] + asana (seated/balancing/advanced asana)asana + [of] (asana of strength)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asana” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as an adjective. (Derivative 'asanic' is extremely rare).
American English
- Not applicable. The word is not used as an adjective. (Derivative 'asanic' is extremely rare).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the wellness, fitness, or apparel industries (e.g., 'Our new mat is designed for stability in difficult asanas.').
Academic
Used in religious studies, philosophy, sports science, or anthropology papers discussing yoga (e.g., 'The textual origins of this meditative asana are debated.').
Everyday
Common among yoga practitioners. Uncommon or unknown in general conversation outside that context.
Technical
The precise technical term in yoga instruction, anatomy, and teacher training for a specific static posture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asana”
- Mispronouncing it with a /z/ sound (AZ-ana). Correct is with /s/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'exercise' (e.g., 'I did some asanas at the gym' is acceptable, but 'I did bicep curls as an asana' is incorrect).
- Capitalising it when not at the start of a sentence or part of a proper noun (e.g., 'the downward-facing dog asana' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a fully naturalised loanword from Sanskrit, now included in major English dictionaries due to its prevalence in yoga culture.
Pronounce it as AH-suh-nuh, with stress on the first syllable and a clear 's' sound, not a 'z' sound.
Yes, the standard English plural is 'asanas'. The Sanskrit plural 'asanani' is known but very rarely used in English.
While both involve physical activity, an asana is specifically designed to be held with mindfulness, integrating breath, body, and mental focus, often with spiritual or meditative intent, unlike general physical exercise focused primarily on fitness.
A physical posture or pose in yoga.
Asana is usually specialist/formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this specialist term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'ASANA' is 'A Steady And Natural Alignment' of the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A STRUCTURE (to be aligned and held steady); DISCIPLINE IS A FOUNDATION (for spiritual practice).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'asana' in a general modern yoga class context?