JLPT N3 · Japanese kanji
命 — fate
- Reading
- メイ・ミョウ・いのち
- Meaning
- fate; command; decree; destiny; life; appoint
- JLPT level
- N3
- Language
- Japanese
About this kanji
命 is a japanese kanji character commonly studied at the JLPT N3 level. Its primary reading is メイ・ミョウ・いのち and it means fate; command; decree; destiny; life; appoint. To master it, see it in real Japanese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.
命 appears in everyday japanese words such as 命 (command), 任命 (appointment) and 使命 (mission).
Japanese words containing 命
Frequently asked questions
What does 命 mean in Japanese?
命 means fate; command; decree; destiny; life; appoint in Japanese. It is one of the JLPT N3 kanji every learner meets at that level.
How is 命 read?
命 is read メイ・ミョウ・いのち. Reading it inside real words — 命 and 任命 and more — is the fastest way to remember it.
What level is 命 — is it JLPT N3?
Yes. 命 is on the official JLPT N3 kanji list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.
How do you use 命 in a word?
A common word containing 命 is 命 (いのち) — "command". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.
How do I learn 命 effectively?
Read it in context. Import any Japanese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 命 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.
More JLPT N3 kanji
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