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性命 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
性命
xìngmìng
life
HSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #3449, Very Hard
xìngmìng(xing4ming4)xing ming T4
1life
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March 24, 2026
性命xìngmìng(xing4ming4)
The term '性命' (xìngmìng) refers to life in a profound sense, encompassing both the biological aspect of existence and the essence or vitality of a person's life. It is commonly used in discussions about the value of life, human existence, and can also imply the importance of one's fate or destiny.
Strokes16Frequency#3449DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, '性命' often reflects Confucian values regarding the sanctity of life and the importance of living a meaningful existence. This term may appear in discussions about moral responsibilities or in literature that explores the human condition.
Memory tip
Think of '性' (xìng) as representing one's nature or essential qualities, and '命' (mìng) as the fate or order of life. Imagine a life where one's nature is deeply intertwined with their fate, creating a vivid image of the interconnectedness of existence and essence.
Meanings of 性命
xìngmìng(xing4ming4)
1life
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 性命
性命Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3449Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 性命
Podcast: 性命
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AI study notes for 性命
Quick Contrast
生命 (shēngmìng) refers specifically to biological life or existence, while 性命 (xìngmìng) encompasses a deeper philosophical and existential significance.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse '性命' with simpler terms for life, such as '生活' (shēnghuó), which refers to daily living. '性命' is more formal and is often used in literary or philosophical contexts. Be mindful of the tone; '性命' requires a fourth tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '性命' connects with other advanced vocabulary about life and existence. Students should focus on understanding its usage in philosophical discussions and literature, as well as how it relates to personal and societal values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '性命' with '生命' (shēngmìng), leading to inappropriate usage. For example, saying '我珍惜我的生命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de shēngmìng) is correct, but '我珍惜我的性命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de xìngmìng) feels overly dramatic and formal in everyday conversation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性命
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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.
The term '性命' (xìngmìng) refers to life in a profound sense, encompassing both the biological aspect of existence and the essence or vitality of a person's life. It is commonly used in discussions about the value of life, human existence, and can also imply the importance of one's fate or destiny.
When to use 性命
A common mistake is to confuse '性命' with simpler terms for life, such as '生活' (shēnghuó), which refers to daily living. '性命' is more formal and is often used in literary or philosophical contexts. Be mindful of the tone; '性命' requires a fourth tone for both characters.
性命 or something close to it
生命 (shēngmìng) refers specifically to biological life or existence, while 性命 (xìngmìng) encompasses a deeper philosophical and existential significance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '性命' with '生命' (shēngmìng), leading to inappropriate usage. For example, saying '我珍惜我的生命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de shēngmìng) is correct, but '我珍惜我的性命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de xìngmìng) feels overly dramatic and formal in everyday conversation.
Write 性命
性
命
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Grammar patterns of 性命
性命 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我们已经失去了一切，不过谢天谢地，总算是保住了____。
We have lost everything, but thank God, our lives have been spared.
Example sentences for 性命 (10)
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1
我们已经失去了一切，不过谢天谢地，总算是保住了性命。
wǒmen yǐjīng shīqù le yíqiè， búguò xiè tiān xiè dì， zǒngsuàn shì bǎo zhù le xìngmìng。
We have lost everything, but thank God, our lives have been spared.
2
我发誓愿为那些不在乎我的人冒险陪上我的性命 吗 ?
wǒ fāshì yuàn wèi nàxiē bùzàihu wǒ de rén màoxiǎn péi shàng wǒ de xìngmìng ma?
I pledge to risk my life for those who don't care about mine?
3
他差点儿丢了性命.
tā chàdiǎnr diū le xìngmìng.
He came very near to losing his life.
4
他宁肯在比赛中丢了性命也不愿在医院里苟延残喘。
tā nìngkěn zài bǐsài zhōng diū le xìngmìng yě bù yuàn zài yīyuàn lǐ Gǒu yán cán chuǎn。
He would rather be killed in a race than die a lingering death in hospital.
5
在这个危险的情况下，他的性命得到了医生们的全力抢救。
Zài zhège wēixiǎn de qíngkuàng xià, tā de xìngmìng dédàole yīshēngmen de quánlì qiǎngjiù.
In this dangerous situation, his life was saved by the doctors' full efforts.
6
为了保护家人的性命，他选择了忍受一切困难。
Wèile bǎohù jiārén de xìngmìng, tā xuǎnzéle rěnshòu yīqiè kùnnán.
In order to protect his family's lives, he chose to endure all the hardships.
