Quick answer
命 is the kanji for "Fate". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is いのち (inochi). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Fate
Also : Life · Decree · Command · Destiny
Learn 命 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 命 represents 'FATE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of fate.
On-reading: めい — remember this sound by associating it with fate. Kun-reading: いのち.
Example Sentences
命は一度しかないから、大切に生きていきたいです。
いのちはいちどしかないから、たいせつにいきていきたいです。
Since life only happens once, I want to live it carefully.
使命感を持って仕事をしています。
しめいかんをもってしごとをしています。
I work with a sense of mission.
Vocabulary using 命
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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