致命

• Pinyin: zhì mìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 致 = cause; 命 = 口 + 令 (mouth + order — life/fate)

Meaning

Fatal; deadly; lethal. Capable of causing death or catastrophic failure.

Used literally for life-threatening injuries or diseases, and figuratively for critical weaknesses. 致命伤 (fatal wound), 致命弱点 (fatal weakness), 致命打击 (deadly blow). Common in medical, military, and strategic contexts.

Examples

1. 这种毒蛇的毒液具有致命性，被咬后需立即就医。 The venom of this poisonous snake is lethal, so you need to seek medical attention immediately if you're bitten.
2. 对手发现了他的致命弱点，一击即中使他落败。 His opponent found his fatal weakness and hit it in one decisive move, defeating him.
3. 忽视网络安全可能给企业带来致命的后果。 Ignoring cybersecurity can bring deadly consequences for a company.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, strategic, dramatic

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这种疾病如果不及时治疗可能会致命。(This disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.)
• 傲慢自大往往是成功者最致命的弱点。(Arrogance is often the most fatal weakness of successful people.)

Don't Say

• 这个错误很致命 — fine for serious contexts, but 严重 is more natural for minor errors; reserve 致命 for truly critical issues

Origin & History

致 (cause/bring about) + 命 (life)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal