命

• Reading: いのち
• Romaji: inochi
• Kanji breakdown: 命 (mei/myō/inochi) — life, command, fate
• Pronunciation: /i.no.tɕi/

Meaning

Life; lifespan. The fundamental existence of a living being.

A noun with deep cultural resonance, referring to the life force of living beings. Used in powerful expressions like 命を守る (to protect life), 命がけ (risking one's life), and 命を落とす (to lose one's life). Distinguished from 生活 (daily life/lifestyle) and 人生 (life as in one's lifetime/life story). Carries emotional weight and appears frequently in proverbs, literature, and moral discussions.

Examples

1. 地震のとき、まず命を守る行動をとろう。 During an earthquake, take action to protect your life first.
2. この薬のおかげで多くの命が救われた。 Many lives were saved thanks to this medicine.
3. 一つしかない命を大切にしてほしい。 I want people to cherish the one life they have.

Usage Guide

Context: health, philosophy, emergencies

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 命 originally depicted a person kneeling before a decree from above, linking the concepts of divine order and life. The on'yomi reading めい connects to 命令 (command).

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal