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March 24, 2026
使命shǐmìng(shi3ming4)
使命 (shǐ mìng) refers to a mission or task that is often assigned or expected, particularly in a diplomatic or formal context. It conveys a sense of purpose and responsibility, highlighting the importance of the task at hand and the role of the individual in fulfilling it.
Frequency#3815DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 使命 is closely tied to the idea of duty and responsibility, often seen in contexts like family obligations or work ethics, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's role in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier (士) receiving a scroll (命) with orders. The scroll contains the mission details, and the soldier proudly sets out to fulfill his duty. This visualization connects the characters to their meanings and helps remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 使命
shǐmìng(shi3ming4)
1mission (diplomatic or other)
2set task
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 使命
使命Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3815Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 使命
Podcast: 使命
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AI Study Notes for 使命
Quick Contrast
任务 (rènwù) vs 使命 (shǐmìng): 任务 refers to a task that may not carry the same weight of purpose or responsibility as 使命.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier (士) receiving a scroll (命) with orders. The scroll contains the mission details, and the soldier proudly sets out to fulfill his duty. This visualization connects the characters to their meanings and helps remember the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the context in which you use 使命; it is more formal and may not fit casual conversations. Common collocations include '完成使命' (to complete a mission) or '承担使命' (to undertake a mission). Ensure the tones are accurate, as mispronouncing can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 使命 connects with other formal or abstract terms related to tasks and responsibilities. Focus on using it in contexts involving duties, missions, or roles in both written and spoken Chinese.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 使命 is closely tied to the idea of duty and responsibility, often seen in contexts like family obligations or work ethics, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's role in society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 使命 with 任务, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有一个使命' (I have a task) may sound overly formal; a more casual way would be '我有一个任务'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 使命
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Grammar Patterns of 使命
使命 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 2 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
对总统安全的担忧可能会给他的调解____蒙上阴影。
Fears for the President's safety could overshadow his peace-making mission.
Example Sentences for 使命 (4)
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1
对总统安全的担忧可能会给他的调解使命蒙上阴影。
duì zǒng tǒng ān quán de dān yōu kě néng huì gěi tā de tiáo jiě shǐ mìng mēng shàng yīn yǐng。
Fears for the President's safety could overshadow his peace-making mission.
2
他的一言一行都带着强烈的使命感。
tā de yī yán yī háng dū dài zháo qiáng liè de shǐ mìng gǎn。
There is an enormous sense of mission in his speech and gesture.
3
他把教孩子们热爱读书当做自己的使命。
tā bǎ jiào hái zǐ mén rè ài dú shū dāng zuò zì jǐ de shǐ mìng。
He made it his crusade to teach children to love books.
He has been on a mission to help end Lebanon's political crisis.
Cultural Notes for 使命
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 使命 is closely tied to the idea of duty and responsibility, often seen in contexts like family obligations or work ethics, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's role in society.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, a 'mission' may imply a more individualistic approach, focusing on personal goals, while in Chinese culture, it often emphasizes collective responsibility and duty to society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 使命
使命 emphasizes a sense of purpose and responsibility, often in a formal context, while 任务 simply refers to a task without the same depth of meaning.
It's typically used in formal contexts, so in casual settings, you might prefer terms like 任务.
Yes, while it is often associated with military missions, it is also applicable in civilian and diplomatic contexts.
