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March 24, 2026
命mìng(ming4)
The character '命' (mìng) primarily means 'life' or 'fate' and can also refer to an order or command. It is often used in contexts discussing destiny, luck, or the circumstances surrounding one’s existence. Additionally, it can denote assigning a name or title, reflecting its versatile usage in both everyday conversation and formal contexts.
Strokes8Radical口Frequency#772DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '命' (fate) often plays a significant role in discussions of Chinese philosophy and fortune-telling, reflecting the belief in a predetermined destiny. It is common for people to consult fortune tellers to understand their '命' and make life decisions accordingly.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person receiving a '命' (mìng) from a higher authority, symbolizing their 'fate' or 'order' in life. The character's components can be broken down into the radical for 'life' (命) and the idea of a command, much like a general giving orders. Visualize a general shouting out '命!' to assign roles in a life-or-death scenario.
Meanings of 命
mìng(ming4)
1life
2fate
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 命
命Simplified
8Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#772Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 命
Podcast: 命
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AI Study Notes for 命
Quick Contrast
命 (mìng) vs 生命 (shēngmìng) — use 命 for fate or command contexts, while 生命 specifically refers to biological life.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person receiving a '命' (mìng) from a higher authority, symbolizing their 'fate' or 'order' in life. The character's components can be broken down into the radical for 'life' (命) and the idea of a command, much like a general giving orders. Visualize a general shouting out '命!' to assign roles in a life-or-death scenario.
Usage Notes
'命' is often used in more formal contexts, especially when discussing fate or existential matters. Common phrases include '命运' (mìngyùn) meaning 'destiny' and '命令' (mìnglìng) meaning 'order' or 'command'. Be cautious with the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While '命' is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it could be beneficial for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its abstract meaning related to life and fate. Students should focus on collocations and phrases that include '命' to better understand its usage in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '命' (fate) often plays a significant role in discussions of Chinese philosophy and fortune-telling, reflecting the belief in a predetermined destiny. It is common for people to consult fortune tellers to understand their '命' and make life decisions accordingly.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '命' with similar sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with '明' (míng, bright) due to the similar pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember that '命' relates to concepts of life and fate, while '明' pertains to brightness or clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 命
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Grammar Patterns of 命
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 5 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.
Civil disobedience, violent or non-violent, is intentional law breaking.
Cultural Notes for 命
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of '命' is deeply intertwined with destiny and fate. Many believe in the influence of one's '命' on their life's journey, often consulting fortune tellers or astrological charts to understand their fate.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '命' (fate) often plays a significant role in discussions of Chinese philosophy and fortune-telling, reflecting the belief in a predetermined destiny. It is common for people to consult fortune tellers to understand their '命' and make life decisions accordingly.
Word Family of 命
Compounds1
掵
Words Containing This Character20
生命shēngmìngliving being
命mìnglife
革命gémìngrevolution
命令mìnglìngorder
命运mìngyùnfate命運
救命jiùmìngSave me!
致命zhìmìngfatal
拼命pīnmìngto do one's utmost
使命shǐmìngset task
性命xìngmìnglife
命名mìngmíngto dub
任命rènmìngto appoint
命中to hit (a target)
寿命shòumìnglife span壽命
待命to be on call
要命yàomìngvery
遵命to do as you bid
文化大革命Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
反革命counterrevolutionary
生命力vitality
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 生命 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 命
命 (mìng) refers to life or fate in a broader sense, while 生命 (shēngmìng) specifically means 'life' in terms of biological existence. While both can relate to the concept of life, 命 carries more philosophical and metaphysical connotations.
Yes, 命 (mìng) is often used in idiomatic expressions in Chinese. For example, '命中注定' (mìng zhòng zhù dìng) means 'destined' or 'fated,' emphasizing the idea of inevitability in life. Such expressions enrich the language and convey deeper meanings.
命 (mìng) can mean 'life' or 'fate' in Chinese. It is often used in contexts discussing one's destiny or the natural order of life. Additionally, it can refer to an order or command, as well as the act of assigning a name or title.
命 (mìng) can be used in various contexts in Chinese. For example, you can say '他的命很苦' (tā de mìng hěn kǔ), which means 'His life is very difficult.' You can also use it in phrases related to fate, such as '命运' (mìngyùn), meaning 'destiny.'
'命' is pronounced as 'mìng', with a falling tone.
Common phrases include '命运' (mìngyùn, destiny) and '命令' (mìnglìng, order).
'命' is generally used in formal contexts, so it's less common in casual conversation.
