Harry Potter·Unlocking Charm
Alohomora
An unlocking charm used to open locked doors.
Character / Caster: Hermione Granger
Continuity / Version: Harry Potter novels; the cited scene is from Philosopher’s Stone
Original illustration inspired by the spell’s fictional effect
AI-generated illustration · Spelling SpellsEvery letter matters
How to spell it
Exact spelling: Alohomora. Spaces and letter order are part of the entry.
One sound at a time
Pronunciation · Approximate
uh-loh-huh-MOR-uh
An English reader aid. The linked official story guide confirms the spell and its use, but does not supply this phonetic spelling.
An optional browser voice. Refer to the written guide and linked source for pronunciation.
The words behind the wonder
Meaning & use
Fictional Effect: Unlocks a locked door, allowing the caster to open it; the cited example is Hermione’s escape into the forbidden third-floor corridor.
Hermione uses it on the forbidden third-floor corridor door in the first book.
The complete incantation; no component translations are asserted here.
Where the word comes from
Language & etymology
Unconfirmed etymologyAn origin for this incantation has not been confirmed by the primary references included in this entry.
Confirmed means a source identifies the origin. Suggested means an interpretation is plausible but is marked as such. Unconfirmed means an origin has not been established here.
Follow the story
Sources & references
Story / series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
One more page
Harry Potter · Spell
Lumos
LOO-mos · Approximate
Fictional Setting · Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter novels; also depicted in the film adaptations
Produces a light at the wand tip that remains useful for exploring dark places until extinguished with Nox.
Harry Potter · Spell
Wingardium Leviosa
win-GAR-dee-um leh-vee-OH-suh · Approximate
Fictional Setting · Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger
Harry Potter novels; the cited lesson is from Philosopher’s Stone
Raises an object into the air. Ron uses the charm on a mountain troll’s club after learning it in Professor Flitwick’s class.
Harry Potter · Spell
Expelliarmus
ex-PELL-ee-AR-muss · Approximate
Fictional Setting · Harry Potter, Severus Snape
Harry Potter novels; Harry learns it during the Chamber of Secrets Duelling Club
Makes a target release a held object, commonly a wand, and gives a duellist a way to disarm an opponent.
