บาลี

baa-lii

Meanings

1NounB2

Pali (language)

an ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language used in Theravāda Buddhist scriptures and liturgy

Examples

Many suttas are recorded in Pali and used in Theravāda ceremonies.
3 more examples
2NounB2

Pali (as a field of study)

the academic or monastic study of the Pali language and its texts; the discipline of Pali studies

Examples

3 more examples

Tones

See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.

2 syllables · pick one to see its rule

How the tone is decided

  1. Consonant classMid class
  2. Tone markNo tone mark
  3. Syllable endingLive syllableA long vowel with no final consonant, so it is live.

Mid class consonants

กจฎฏดตบปอ

Result

Mid tone

baa

Level, in your normal speaking voice.

Mid class + No tone mark + Live syllable → Mid

Tone chart

Every class and spelling pattern, with this syllable outlined.

Mid classHigh classLow class
No mark + liveMidRisingMid
No mark + dead shortLowLowHigh
No mark + dead longLowLowFalling
Mai ekLowLowFalling
Mai thoFallingFallingHigh
Mai triHigh——
Mai chattawaRising——