lamas
C1Formal (for Buddhist monks); Incorrect spelling (for the animal)
Definition
Meaning
Incorrect plural form of 'llama,' a South American domesticated animal of the camel family, OR the plural of 'lama,' a Buddhist monk or spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism.
Most commonly encountered as an erroneous spelling for the animal 'llamas.' In its correct but far less common form, it refers to multiple monks/teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a homographic heterophone. The pronunciation is identical for both meanings (animal plural, monk plural). However, the context is crucial for disambiguation. In modern English, seeing 'lamas' nearly always signals a misspelling of the animal 'llamas.' The use for Tibetan monks is highly specialized, found in religious or historical texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage for either meaning.
Connotations
For the animal: carries connotations of a spelling error. For the monks: carries connotations of Tibetan Buddhism, spirituality, esoteric knowledge.
Frequency
The spelling 'lamas' for the animal is a common mistake in both dialects. The term for monks is equally rare and academic in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN + VERB: The lamas gathered.ADJECTIVE + NOUN: The high-ranking lamas.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and history texts discussing Tibetan Buddhism.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent, except as a common spelling mistake for 'llamas.'
Technical
Used specifically in Buddhist theology and Tibetan studies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She drew a picture of two lamas. (Misspelling - illustrative of common error)
- The Dalai Lama is one of the most famous lamas in the world.
- The monastery was home to several revered lamas who had studied there for decades.
- The complex succession rituals for identifying reincarnated tulkus, or high lamas, are central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LAMA in the mountains. To pluralize a LAMA, you just add 's' - but for the animal LLAMA, you need two Ls for two LLAMAS.
Conceptual Metaphor
WISDOM IS AN ALTITUDE / LIGHT: Lamas are often metaphorically described as being 'on a high mountain' of wisdom or as 'beacons' of spiritual light.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ламы' (lámы) - the animals. In English, the animal is spelled with double 'l' (llamas). The spelling 'lamas' in a Russian text could be a transliteration of the animal, but in English it is incorrect for that meaning.
- The English 'lama' (monk) is a direct borrowing from Tibetan. It is not related to the Russian word for the animal.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lamas' as the plural for the animal (correct: llamas).
- Pronouncing 'lamas' (monks) differently from 'llamas' (animals) - they are homophones.
- Capitalizing 'lamas' when not referring to a specific title (e.g., the Dalai Lama).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'lamas' in modern general English writing?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The correct plural of the South American animal 'llama' is 'llamas' with a double 'l'.
Correctly, it is the plural of 'lama,' a Tibetan Buddhist monk or spiritual teacher. However, this usage is rare outside specific contexts.
Yes. In English, both words are pronounced identically: /ˈlɑːmə/.
You should only use 'lamas' when you are intentionally writing about more than one Tibetan Buddhist monk (lama). In all other cases, especially for the animal, use 'llamas'.