— fate, command, decree, destiny, life, appoint

  • JLPT N3
  • 8 strokes
  • Grade 3
  • Radical 口
  • #465 most frequent

Readings

On'yomi
メイミョウ
Kun'yomi
いのち

Example words

  • 革命かくめい(1) revolution (2) 58th year of the sexagenary cycle (in onmyou-dou)
  • 生命せいめいlife; existence
  • いのち(1) life; life force (2) lifetime; lifespan (3) most important thing; foundation; core (4) paired tattoos of the "life" kanji on the upper arms of a man and woman (indicating unwavering love) (5) fate; destiny; karma
  • 命令めいれい(1) order; command; decree; directive (2) (software) instruction; statement
  • 一生懸命いっしょうけんめいvery hard; with utmost effort; with all one's might; for dear life
  • 運命うんめいfate; destiny; lot
  • 使命しめいmission; errand; message
  • 寿命じゅみょうlife span