Translation and Meaning of: 命 - inochi
If you've ever watched an anime or read a manga, you've probably come across the word 命[いのち] at some point. This expression carries a huge weight in Japanese culture, going far beyond the simple meaning of "life." In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing this special kanji. If you're studying Japanese, you’ll love discovering how this word appears in common phrases and even in philosophical expressions.
In addition to being an essential term for anyone who wants to master the language, 命 has a fascinating history behind its strokes. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also learn how to write it correctly and some useful combinations to include in your Anki. Let's uncover everything from its origin to curiosities that are rarely mentioned in textbooks.
Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 命
The kanji 命 is composed of two radicals: 口 (kuchi), which means "mouth," and 令 (rei), associated with "order" or "decree." Together, they form the idea of something that is "ordered" or "bestowed," like the life that is given to us. This combination is not random—it reflects the ancient view that human existence is a divine gift, something that needs to be honored.
In ancient China, this character was already used in solemn contexts, such as in imperial edicts. When it arrived in Japan, it maintained its reverential tone but gained its own nuances. While in Chinese it can be more neutral, in Japanese いのち carries a strong emotional weight, often related to mortality and the fragility of existence. Have you noticed how in historical dramas the characters speak this word with a trembling voice?
Everyday Usage and Popular Expressions
Unlike the term 人生 (jinsei), which refers to life as a journey, 命 is used when talking about life as a vital force. Doctors use it to describe vital signs, parents alert their children with phrases like 命を大切に (inochi o taisetsu ni) — "treasure your life". Even in safety notices in the Tokyo subway, you see this kanji, always with a tone of urgency.
A phrase that shows its depth is 命懸け (inochi-gake), which means "to stake one's life." Samurais used this word when swearing loyalty, and today it appears in songs of intense love. On the other hand, 命の恩人 (inochi no onjin) refers to someone who saved your life — a debt that the Japanese consider impossible to fully repay. Notice how the term goes far beyond biology?
Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities
To memorize the kanji 命, imagine a scene: an elder (represented by the radical 令) giving his last life orders through the mouth (口). This dramatic visual helps to fix the components. Another trick is to associate it with the sound "inochi" — think of "Inô, chi!" as a warning cry about the finiteness of existence. It works surprisingly well.
A little-known fact: in Shinto shrines, you find charms called 命守り (inochi mamori), made to protect physical life. Kabuki artists also use this word in plays about sacrifice, always with a dramatic pause before pronouncing it. And if you play Yakuza or Ghost of Tsushima, notice how many times the term appears in decisive dialogues — Japanese screenwriters love its emotional impact.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 生命 (せいめい) - Life, living being
- いのち (いのち) - Life, existence, can also refer to life in the sense of soul.
- みょうめい (みょうめい) - Supernatural name, sacred name (now it is less common in everyday language)
Related words
Romaji: inochi
Kana: いのち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: life (mortal)
Meaning in English: (mortal) life
Definition: The power to keep on living that living beings naturally possess.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (命) inochi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (命) inochi:
Example Sentences - (命) inochi
See below some example sentences:
Jinmei wo taisetsu ni shimashou
Let's value human life.
Let's value human life.
- 人命 - human life
- を - object particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- に - target particle
- しましょう - kind way of the verb "do", indicating a suggestion or request
Isshoukenmei ganbarimasu
I will do my best.
I will do my best.
- 一生懸命 - intensely, with every effort
- 頑張ります - I'll try hard, I'll do my best
Kono meirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai
Please follow the instructions in this command.
Please act according to this request.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 命令 - noun that means "order" or "command"
- に - particle that indicates action or destination
- 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
- 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
- して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
- ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"
Kono ya wa mato ni meichuu shita
This arrow hit the target.
This arrow hit the target.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
- 矢 - noun meaning "arrow"
- は - Topic particle
- 的 - noun meaning "target"
- に - target particle
- 命中した - verb meaning "hit" or "hit" in the past
Riritsu wa kigyou no seimeisen desu
Profit is the lifeline of the company.
- 利潤 (りじゅん) - Profit
- は - Topic particle
- 企業 (きぎょう) - company
- の - Possession particle
- 生命線 (せいめいせん) - lifeline, livelihood
- です - verb to be in the present affirmative
Shōhai wa toki ni unmei o kimeru
Victory is sometimes destiny.
- 勝敗 - victory or defeat
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 時に - sometimes
- 運命 - destination
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 決める - decide
Kare wa shimei o yaru tame ni shuppatsu shita
He left to fulfill his mission.
He went out to take on a mission.
- 彼 (kare) - He
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 使命 (shimei) - mission
- を (wo) - Direct object particle
- 遣る (yaru) - accomplish
- ために (tameni) - For
- 出発 (shuppatsu) - Match
- した (shita) - past tense of the verb "to do"
Kare wa atarashii yakushoku ni ninmei sareta
He was appointed to a new post.
He was appointed as a new position.
- 彼 (kare) - he
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 新しい (atarashii) - new
- 役職 (yakushoku) - position
- に (ni) - target particle
- 任命された (ninmei sareta) - was appointed
Kanojo wa kenmei ni benkyou shiteimasu
She is studying hard.
She is studying hard.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - She
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 懸命に (kenmei ni) - Dedicadamente
- 勉強しています (benkyou shiteimasu) - Is studying
Watashitachi wa shimei o hatasu tame ni umarete kita
We were born to fulfill our mission.
- 私たちは - 「私たち」
- 使命 - "Mission" in Japanese
- を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
- 果たす - "Comply" in Japanese
- ために - "To" in Japanese
- 生まれてきた - "We were born" in Japanese