命Tone 4

mìng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 口

命 · mìng

life;

fate;

destiny;

to order;

to command;

to assign

lifefatedestiny

Usage highlights

lifefatecommandlife spanto risk one's lifeto assign a name

Synonyms

生命— life
命运— fate, destiny
命令— command, order

Antonyms

自由— freedom (antonym to fate/destiny)
反抗— rebellion (antonym to obedience)

Usage & contexts

Examples

He has a long life (长命).
She believes in fate (命运).
The general gave a command (命令).
This is a matter of life and death (性命攸关).

Collocations

life(生命)
fate(命运)
command(命令)
life span(寿命)
to risk one's life(拼命)
to assign a name(命名)

Idioms

To act according to circumstances(听天由命)
To risk one's life(拼命三郎)
Life is as precious as gold(人命关天)
To receive orders(奉命行事)
To be at the mercy of nature(听天由命)

Cultural background

In Confucianism, 命 refers to the Mandate of Heaven (天命) that legitimizes rulers.
In traditional Chinese thought, 命 encompasses both fate and the natural lifespan.
The character combines 令 (command) and 口 (mouth), suggesting spoken commands that determine fate.

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