宿命

• Reading: しゅくめい
• Romaji: shukumei
• Kanji breakdown: 宿 (shuku/yado) — lodging, previous life; 命 (mei/inochi) — life, fate, destiny
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.kɯ.me.i/

Meaning

Fate; destiny; predestination. An inevitable outcome or condition that one is believed to be born into or cannot escape.

A noun carrying a sense of inevitability that is often tinged with resignation or philosophical acceptance. Unlike 運命 (unmei, 'fate'), 宿命 suggests a destiny fixed from before birth or from a past life — particularly in Buddhist thought. It often appears in literary, dramatic, or introspective contexts.

Examples

1. 彼は自分の宿命を受け入れ、静かに闘病生活を続けた。 He accepted his fate and quietly continued his battle with illness.
2. 宿命のライバルとの決勝戦が、とうとう実現した。 The finals match against his fated rival had finally come to pass.
3. 人は宿命から逃れられないのか、それとも変えられるのかを問い続けている。 People keep asking whether we can escape our destiny or whether we can change it.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, philosophy, sports drama, introspection

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From 宿 (shuku) meaning 'to lodge/reside' (also implying a previous life in Buddhist contexts) and 命 (mei/inochi) meaning 'life, fate, command.' The compound suggests a destiny that resides within one's very being.

Cultural Context

Era: Buddhist influence

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal