生命
Meanings
1
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.
I am researching the origin of life.
I'm unsure whether to take out life insurance.
3
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.
Art is his very lifeblood.
This work is imbued with the author's soul.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の生命を救うto save someone's life
The doctors saved the patient's life.
- 〈人〉生命を終えるto end one's career (as an athlete, actor, etc.)
He ended his career as an athlete due to an injury.
- 生命力にあふれるto be full of vitality; to overflow with life force
The young tree is bursting with vitality.
- 生命の危険があるthere is a danger to one's life
This disease poses a danger to life.
- 生命を落とすto lose one's life; to die
He lost his life in the accident.