生命

• Pinyin: shēng mìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 生 = a plant sprouting from the ground, meaning life; 命 = 口 (mouth) + 令 (command), originally meaning a decree from heaven — one's life or fate

Meaning

Life; living existence. The quality that distinguishes living beings from inanimate matter.

Refers to life itself as a precious and fundamental concept, not daily living (which is 生活). Used in serious and philosophical contexts: 生命的意义 (the meaning of life), 生命力 (vitality), 珍惜生命 (cherish life). Also used for individual lives: 救了一条生命 (saved a life). More solemn and weighty than 生活 (daily life) or 活着 (being alive).

Examples

1. 每一个生命都值得被尊重。 Every life deserves to be respected.
2. 医生们努力抢救病人的生命。 The doctors worked hard to save the patient's life.
3. 水是一切生命存在的基础。 Water is the foundation for all life to exist.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, medicine, biology, values

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 生命是最宝贵的。(Life is the most precious thing.)
• 这片森林充满了生命的活力。(This forest is full of the vitality of life.)

Don't Say

• 我的生命很忙。(Don't use 生命 for daily life or routines — use 生活 instead. 生命 refers to life as an existential concept, not everyday living.)

Origin & History

生 means to live, to be born, or life; 命 means fate, destiny, or life. Together: the fundamental force of being alive — life itself.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal