命: the kanji for life; order
命 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means life; order. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
命 is written in 8 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
命 has 3 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
メイ (mei)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 命令めいれい · meirei | order; command |
| 運命うんめい · unmei | fate; destiny |
いのち (inochi)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 命いのち · inochi | life |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 上司から命令を受けた。Jōshi kara meirei o uketa.I received an order from my boss.
- これは運命だと思う。Kore wa unmei da to omou.I think this is fate.
- 命は何より大切です。Inochi wa nani yori taisetsu desu.Life is more precious than anything.
- 医者は多くの命を救ってきた。Isha wa ōku no inochi o sukutte kita.The doctor has saved many lives.
- 隊長の命令に従った。Taichō no meirei ni shitagatta.We followed the captain's orders.
Questions about 命
How many strokes does 命 have?
命 is written in 8 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 命?
The on readings are mei (メイ), myou (ミョウ). The kun readings are inochi (いのち).
What JLPT level is 命?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Body and health
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 命
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.