Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
寿命(壽命)shòumìng(shou4ming4)
寿命 (shòumìng) refers to the length of time that a living being or object is expected to exist or function. It is commonly used in discussions about health, longevity, and even the durability of products, highlighting both biological and mechanical lifespans.
Frequency#15453DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about 寿命 are often linked to traditional beliefs in health and wellness, with practices like Chinese medicine aiming to extend one's lifespan. The concept is also significant in family discussions about aging and care for elderly relatives.
Memory Tip
Visualize a wise old turtle (寿, shòu) carrying a clock (命, mìng) on its back, symbolizing the long life it has lived. The characters together represent the 'life span' that the turtle has accumulated over time.
Meanings of 寿命
shòumìng(shou4ming4)
1life span
2life expectancy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 寿命
寿命Simplified
壽命Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#15453Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 寿命
Podcast: 寿命
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 寿命
Quick Contrast
寿命 (shòumìng) vs 生命 (shēngmìng) — use 寿命 for lifespan or longevity, while 生命 refers to life in a broader, more existential sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Visualize a wise old turtle (寿, shòu) carrying a clock (命, mìng) on its back, symbolizing the long life it has lived. The characters together represent the 'life span' that the turtle has accumulated over time.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 寿命 with 生命 (shēngmìng), which means 'life' in a more general sense. This term is more formal, often used in medical or scientific contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include '提高寿命' (tígāo shòumìng - to increase lifespan) and '寿命短' (shòumìng duǎn - short lifespan).
HSK Study Tips
As part of HSK Level 5, students should focus on understanding the components of the characters and how they relate to the concepts of life and duration. This word connects with others at this level, like 生命 (shēngmìng) and 长寿 (chángshòu, longevity), enhancing vocabulary around health and life.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about 寿命 are often linked to traditional beliefs in health and wellness, with practices like Chinese medicine aiming to extend one's lifespan. The concept is also significant in family discussions about aging and care for elderly relatives.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 寿命 with 生命, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For instance, saying '我的寿命是三十年' (My lifespan is 30 years) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我的生命是三十年' (My life is 30 years).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 寿命
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 寿命 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 寿命 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 寿命
寿命 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这些电池的____为6小时。
The batteries had a life span of six hours.
Example Sentences for 寿命 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这些电池的寿命为6小时。
zhè xiē diàn chí de shòu mìng wéi6 6 xiǎo。
The batteries had a life span of six hours.
2
6人中已经有3人轻松超过了正常的预期寿命。
6 6 rén zhōng yǐ jīng3 yǒu 3 rén qīng sōng chāo guò le zhèng cháng de yù qī。
Three of the six have comfortably exceeded their normal life expectancy.
Give delay charge to ought to be in its are effective the amortize inside economic life, the amortize that our country sets
Cultural Notes for 寿命
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions about 寿命 are often linked to traditional beliefs in health and wellness, with practices like Chinese medicine aiming to extend one's lifespan. The concept is also significant in family discussions about aging and care for elderly relatives.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While the concept of lifespan is universal, Western discussions often emphasize medical advancements and lifestyle choices, whereas in Chinese culture, there is a stronger emphasis on holistic health and familial responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 寿命
You can say, '我们需要提高老年人的寿命' (We need to increase the lifespan of the elderly).
Yes, 寿命 can refer to both the lifespan of living beings and the operational lifespan of machines.
寿命 specifically refers to the duration of existence, while 生命 refers to the concept of life itself.
