noun
The most general sense: biological life, the state of being alive, or the span of one's existence. Used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts.
生命の起源について研究している。
I am researching the origin of life.
生命保険に
I'm unsure whether to take out life insurance.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
working life; career
Refers to one's professional life or career span. Often used in compounds like 役者生命 (an actor's career) or 選手生命 (an athlete's career).
See also: 役者生命
あの選手は怪我で選手生命を絶たれた。
That athlete's career was cut short by injury.
彼は役者生命をかけてこの舞台に臨んだ。
He staked his acting career on this performance.
noun
life force; lifeblood; soul; essence
A more abstract or poetic sense: the vital force or essence that animates living things. Occasionally read いのち in literary or emphatic contexts.
芸術は彼にとって生命そのものだ。
Art is his very lifeblood.
この作品には作家の生命が宿っている。
This work is imbued with the author's soul.