天てん命めいを知しる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

turn 50; reach 50 years of age

A classical-sounding expression derived from Confucian thought, where 天命 (Heaven's mandate) was understood to be known at age 50. Used as a literary or formal way to say one has turned 50.

• 彼かれは今年ことしで天てん命めいを知しる年ねん齢れいになった。

  He has reached the age of 50 this year.

• 天てん命めいを知しるという言こと葉ばは、論ろん語ごに由ゆ来らいする。

  The phrase 'knowing Heaven's mandate' originates from the Analects of Confucius.