Refers to life itself, often in a somewhat formal or literary context. More common in compounds like 生命 (せいめい).
See also: 生命
人命を救うために行動した。
He acted to save human life.
One's predetermined course of events; often used in a philosophical or dramatic sense. Frequently appears in the compound 運命 (うんめい).
See also: 運命
それは彼の命だったのかもしれない。
That may have been his fate.
life; existence · working life; career · life force; lifeblood; soul; essence
order; command; directive · instruction; statement
revolution · 58th year of the sexagenary cycle (in Onmyōdō)
fate; destiny; lot
order; command · appoint; assign
mission; errand · task; duty; obligation
appointment; nomination; commission
fatal; deadly; mortal
defection; seeking asylum; political exile
lifesaving; life-saving
naming; christening
hit; strike; direct hit
favorite; likely winner · first choice; one's heart's desire
fate; destiny; predestination
eager; earnest; with utmost effort
fatal wound; mortal injury
human life
remaining life; time left to live
order; command · appoint; assign to a position
life extension; prolonging life; keeping alive longer
proposition; thesis; theory · issue; challenge; problem
being alive; living
death anniversary; monthly memorial date
special directive; special order · special mission; special appointment
death; end of life; breathing one's last
fate; destiny
short-lived; short life
God's will; heaven's decree; mandate of Heaven; fate; destiny · one's life; one's lifespan
ruler's orders; master's orders
imperial command; imperial edict
The kanji 命 originally depicted a mouth giving an order, representing 'command' or 'decree'. The meanings 'life' and 'fate' are extended uses in Chinese and Japanese. The reading めい is the on'yomi.