noun
The vital force or existence of a living being. Often used in emotional, philosophical, or dramatic contexts. Sometimes written as 生命.
See also: 生命
命を大切にしなければならない。
We must value life.
彼は
He lost his life in an accident.
noun
lifetime; lifespan
The duration of a life. Used in expressions about the length or span of life.
この機械の命は長くない。
This machine's lifespan is not long.
人間の命は限られている。
A human's lifetime is limited.
noun
most important thing; foundation; core
Metaphorical use: the essence or central element of something. Often in phrases like 命の次に大事 or ～が命.
この仕事では正確さが命だ。
In this job, accuracy is the most important thing.
彼にとって家族は命の次に大切だ。
For him, family is the most important thing after life itself.
noun
paired 'life' tattoos (archaic)
Archaic term for matching tattoos of the kanji 命 on the upper arms of a man and woman, symbolizing unwavering love. Not used in modern Japanese.
江戸時代、男女が命の刺青を入れて愛を誓ったという。
In the Edo period, it is said that men and women pledged their love with paired 'life' tattoos.
noun
fate; destiny; karma (archaic)
Archaic sense referring to one's predetermined fate or karmic destiny. Replaced in modern Japanese by words like 運命.
古い文献では、命が運命を意味することがある。
In old texts, 命 can mean fate or destiny.