What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swami
Example
The swami led the morning meditation session at the ashram. [swami: noun]
Example
She became a swami after years of studying and practicing yoga and meditation. [swami: noun]
guru
Example
He studied under a guru to learn the ancient art of Ayurveda. [guru: noun]
Example
She is a marketing guru who has helped many companies achieve success. [guru: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guru is more commonly used in everyday language than swami. Guru has been adopted in Western cultures and is used to refer to experts in various fields, while swami is less common and is specific to Hinduism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swami and guru?
Both swami and guru are associated with spiritual practices and may be considered formal terms. However, guru is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while swami is less commonly used and may be considered more formal.
