Translation guide
A literal or metaphorical line that saves a life or provides crucial support.
A physical rope or line used to prevent falling or drowning, or for rescue.
The most direct translation for a literal lifeline, such as a rope used by climbers, firefighters, or in water rescues.
The climber securely tied the lifeline.
A safety rope or line, often used in technical or industrial contexts.
The worker put on a safety line.
Something that provides essential help, hope, or a means of escape in a difficult situation.
Also used metaphorically for something that is a vital support or only hope.
For her, this phone was the only lifeline.
A loanword from English, commonly used for essential utilities (electricity, water, gas) or a vital connection.
Literally 'life line', can be used metaphorically for something essential to survival or success, but also refers to the lifeline in palm reading.
A helping hand or means of rescue, often used when someone is in trouble.
His assistance became a lifeline.
A telephone service providing immediate support for people in distress.
命綱 (いのちづな) is the traditional word for a literal or metaphorical lifeline, emphasizing a rope-like connection that saves a life. ライフライン is a modern loanword often used for infrastructure (electricity, water, gas) or a vital communication link. For a crisis hotline, use いのちの電話.
The internet is my lifeline to the outside world.
He threw me a lifeline when I was drowning in debt.
The lifelines (utilities) were cut off by the earthquake.
This deal is the company's lifeline.
There is a lifeline for victims of domestic violence.