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March 24, 2026
生命shēngmìng(sheng1ming4)
生命 (shēngmìng) refers to life in a biological sense, encompassing the state of living organisms and the essence that distinguishes them from inanimate objects. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, existence, and vitality, often emphasizing the fragility and preciousness of life.
Frequency#564DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of 生命 is deeply valued in Chinese culture, often associated with traditional beliefs about harmony in life and nature. This appreciation is reflected in practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes maintaining a balance for a healthy life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '生' (shēng) plant sprouting up from '命' (mìng) - a shining star. The plant represents life (生), and the star symbolizes destiny or fate (命). Together, they form '生命', reminding you that life is a beautiful journey guided by destiny.
Meanings of 生命
shēngmìng(sheng1ming4)
1life
2living
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About 生命
生命Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#564Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 生命
Podcast: 生命
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AI Study Notes for 生命
Quick Contrast
生存 (shēngcún) refers specifically to the act of surviving or existing, while 生命 (shēngmìng) encompasses the broader concept of life itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '生' (shēng) plant sprouting up from '命' (mìng) - a shining star. The plant represents life (生), and the star symbolizes destiny or fate (命). Together, they form '生命', reminding you that life is a beautiful journey guided by destiny.
Usage Notes
When using 生命, be aware that it typically carries a serious tone, so it’s best suited for formal discussions about health or philosophy. Common collocations include '生命科学' (life sciences) and '生命力' (vitality). Avoid confusion with '生' which can also mean 'to be born' or 'to give birth'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 生命 connects well with other terms related to health, emotions, and existence like '健康' (health) and '幸福' (happiness). Focus on recognizing its use in both written and spoken contexts, as well as its collocations.
Cultural Note
The concept of 生命 is deeply valued in Chinese culture, often associated with traditional beliefs about harmony in life and nature. This appreciation is reflected in practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes maintaining a balance for a healthy life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 生命 with 生活; for instance, saying '我的生命是忙碌' (My life is busy) should be corrected to '我的生活是忙碌' (My lifestyle is busy). Additionally, avoid mispronouncing the tones, which can alter meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 生命
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Grammar Patterns of 生命
生命 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Cigarettes kill over a hundred thousand Britons every year.
8
这是非法的，可能会危及他人的生命。
zhè shì fēi fǎ de， ， kě néng huì wēi jí tā rén de shēng。
It is illegal and could endanger other people's lives.
9
他不想靠人为方式延长生命。
tā bù xiǎng kào rén wéi fāng shì yán cháng shēng mìng。
He did not want his life to be prolonged by artificial means.
10
我们一直在极力想办法挽救她的生命。
wǒ mén yī zhí zài jí lì xiǎng bàn fǎ wǎn jiù tā de shēng mìng。
We have been frantically trying to save her life.
Cultural Notes for 生命
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 生命 is deeply valued in Chinese culture, often associated with traditional beliefs about harmony in life and nature. This appreciation is reflected in practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes maintaining a balance for a healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 生命
生命 refers specifically to the biological aspect of life, while 生活 (shēnghuó) refers to the way of life or lifestyle.
Yes, but it's more commonly used in formal contexts; casual conversations might use 生活 instead.
It is pronounced as shēngmìng, with the first syllable in the first tone and the second in the fourth tone.
