Onyomi: ミョウ, メイ · Kunyomi: いのち · Meanings: appoint, command, decree, destiny, fate, life
Kanji for appoint, command, decree, destiny, fate
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命 is made from 口, meaning “mouth,” and 令, which originally suggested order or instruction. In ancient times, giving a command or instruction with authority could determine life or destiny. This connection between speech, orders, and life developed into the meaning of life, fate, or a mandate. From this image, 命 came to mean life, destiny, or a vital command.
命 shows an authoritative command from the mouth, representing life or fate.
Imagine a powerful voice giving an important command that decides someone’s destiny. That decisive authority is 命.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 命 | いのち | life, life force | common JLPT-N3 Noun |
| 命 | めい | order, command, decree | Noun |
| 御言 | みこと | the spoken words of the emperor or a noble | Noun |
| 尊 | みこと | Lord, Highness | Noun, used as a suffix, Noun |
| 命令 | めいれい | order, command, decree, directive | common JLPT-N3 Noun, Suru verb, Transitive verb |
| 命じる | めいじる | to order, to command | common JLPT-N3 Ichidan verb, Transitive verb |
| 命ずる | めいずる | to order, to command | common JLPT-N2 Ichidan verb - zuru verb (alternative form of -jiru verbs), Transitive verb |
| 命中 | めいちゅう | (direct) hit, hitting the mark | common JLPT-N1 Noun, Suru verb, Intransitive verb |
| 命日 | めいにち | anniversary of a person's death, monthly return of the date of someone's death | common Noun |
| 命名 | めいめい | naming, christening | common Noun, Suru verb, Transitive verb, Intransitive verb, Noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no' |