Meanings of 寿命
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Podcast: 寿命
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AI Study Notes for 寿命
寿命 (shòumìng) vs 生命 (shēngmìng) — use 寿命 for lifespan or longevity, while 生命 refers to life in a broader, more existential sense.
Be careful not to confuse 寿命 with 生命 (shēngmìng), which means 'life' in a more general sense. This term is more formal, often used in medical or scientific contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include '提高寿命' (tígāo shòumìng - to increase lifespan) and '寿命短' (shòumìng duǎn - short lifespan).
As part of HSK Level 5, students should focus on understanding the components of the characters and how they relate to the concepts of life and duration. This word connects with others at this level, like 生命 (shēngmìng) and 长寿 (chángshòu, longevity), enhancing vocabulary around health and life.
Learners often confuse 寿命 with 生命, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For instance, saying '我的寿命是三十年' (My lifespan is 30 years) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我的生命是三十年' (My life is 30 years).
Pronunciation of 寿命
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Jason Explains 寿命 to You
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say life span in Chinese
“life span” in Chinese is寿命
寿命 (shòumìng) refers to the length of time that a living being or object is expected to exist or function. It is commonly used in discussions about health, longevity, and even the durability of products, highlighting both biological and mechanical lifespans.
When to use 寿命
Be careful not to confuse 寿命 with 生命 (shēngmìng), which means 'life' in a more general sense. This term is more formal, often used in medical or scientific contexts rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include '提高寿命' (tígāo shòumìng - to increase lifespan) and '寿命短' (shòumìng duǎn - short lifespan).
寿命 or something close to it
寿命 (shòumìng) vs 生命 (shēngmìng) — use 寿命 for lifespan or longevity, while 生命 refers to life in a broader, more existential sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 寿命 with 生命, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For instance, saying '我的寿命是三十年' (My lifespan is 30 years) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我的生命是三十年' (My life is 30 years).
Write 寿命
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Practice writing 寿命 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 寿命
寿命 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这些电池的____为6小时。
The batteries had a life span of six hours.
Example Sentences for 寿命 (7)
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Cultural Notes for 寿命
While the concept of lifespan is universal, Western discussions often emphasize medical advancements and lifestyle choices, whereas in Chinese culture, there is a stronger emphasis on holistic health and familial responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 寿命
You can say, '我们需要提高老年人的寿命' (We need to increase the lifespan of the elderly).
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